《Blackstone Code》


 Chapter 1:

    Chapter 1:


    "Have you found a job yet?"


    Lin Qi () looked at his girlfriend, who was busy cooking, and shook his head apologetically. His girlfriend disyed neither disappointment nor much emotional fluctuation, as if not finding a job was entirely normal.


    He, who had just returned home from outside, tried to minimize verbalmunication, afraid that this woman who slept beside him every night might discern his abnormality.


    Carrying a slightly deformed frying pan, his girlfriend walked over to the rickety, paint-peeling wooden table, ced a fried egg atop a te of minced meat, and then sat down.


    "Don''t worry too much. I still have some money. Maybe you''ll find a job tomorrow. Let''s eat for now." she said.


    Lin Qi nodded and began to consume the not-so-tasty dinner.


    The fork pierced the slightly congealed surface of the egg, making the thick yolk cascade onto the minced meat like a natural seasoning or some kind of sauce, enhancing its appeal.


    Eating the meal absentmindedly, Lin Qi''s mind was upied with other thoughts.


    He was not from this world. He didn''t know the scientific principle or any reason behind it, but indeed, he had transmigrated to this world.


    Before the transmigration, he had held various jobsdelivery man, insurance salesman, waiter, a part-time chef, etc.


    The thirty years preceding his transmigration were filled with unremarkable odd jobs. But after thirty, a tremendous change urred.


    In hister ount, he imed that it was the experiences he had umted in the preceding thirty years and his emotionally charged speech that finally changed the judge''s mind...


    Then, on his first night sleeping in that cramped cell, intending to write a memoir about his legendary life, he gradually drifted into a slumber.


    When he woke up, he found himself in a home in another world that waspletely unrted to his previous life, and he was in a body belonging to someone who also happened to be named Lin Qi.


    This person who had nothing except for a girlfriend resembled the epitome of a societal failureliving off his girlfriend, residing in her ce. Apart from helping her with some issues at night, he seemed like a parasite.


    In thest few days, he had been using the excuse of going out to look for a job to check out the world outside. This world gave him a kind of indescribable sense of novelty.


    It felt like the 1940s or 50s, or the 60sa time of technological explosion yet not overly advanced. Numerous products kept emerging in front of the public, making it hard for people to take it all in. He even saw a slogan on a promotional poster in the street that said: "Every day is a new day."


    To him, this world, this society was overflowing with money, waiting to be picked up; all he needed to do was merely bend over slightly, which would require little effort.


    His blood was simmering, his heart was bing strong and vigorous, and deep within him, there was a kind of longing. He firmly believed that there was a reason for his transmigration.


    Perhaps, the reason why he was brought to this world was to create his own legacy!


    "Go fill the bathtub with hot water. Let''s take a bath tonight," his girlfriend instructed while clearing the dishes.


    Lin Qi nodded, stood up, and walked toward the bathroom. As he walked, he casually asked, "We just took a bath yesterday..."


    Since he came to this world, he noticed that he and his girlfriend had very clear life ns, and things weren''t entirely chaotic.


    The current weather was neither hot nor cold; unless engaged in intense exercise, one wouldn''t easily break into a sweat. Therefore, there was little necessity for a daily shower.


    It wasn''t that people were unwilling to cleanse themselves daily; it was more because changing clothes and using hot water incurred expenses.


    For the affluent, these were trivial expenses. They might even install a boiler for a heating system in their homes or purchase a washing machine for convenientundry at any time.


    However, for the impoverished, these were unnecessary and unaffordable expenses. Their lives had to be structured.


    They meticulously nned every expenditure, adhering to a routine life like monks to save every penny. That was their way of life.


    It wasn''t that they desired such a routine; it was more due to poverty.


    His girlfriend turned and walked to the edge of the sink, turning on the faucet to rinse the dishes. "After midnight, our hot water will cut off until we pay again next week. This way, we can save a bit."


    Lin Qi shrugged, walking into the bathroom. He turned the faucet, letting out the initial cold water before hot steamy water flowed out from the pipes.After their bath, lying on the narrow bed, they soon sumbed to slumber.


    Lin Qi''s girlfriend worked in a supermarket as a cashier, clocking in ten hours daily, which included an hour for breaks.


    Often, she would bring back some near-expiry or expired food items or inexpensive household goods from the supermarket. This was one of the reasons they could get by with just one of them working.


    Both of them were ssmates in high school and hadn''t managed to get into college. Lin Qi worked as aborer for a while but eventually gave up due to the exhausting nature of the job.


    Katherine (), his girlfriend, found this job at the supermarket and managed to hold onto it.


    Theirs was a typical story of a family facing failure. Neither Lin Qi nor Katherine knew how long they could sustain this kind of life.


    Perhaps they would hold on until the day they got married, then continue to barely scrape by for the rest of their lives.


    But at any moment, due to some sudden outburst of emotions, their fragile rtionship coulde to an end.


    The next morning, Lin Qi quickly freshened up. Katherine had already left, leaving a box of cereal and a bottle of milk on the table.


    He walked to the cupboard and poured the milk into a pot to heat it on the stove. In passing, he nced at the expiration date and, unsurprisingly, found that it had expired two days ago.


    Such milk would typically be discarded in the supermarket, but it was items such as this the reason why many people were willing to endure extremely long work hours and low wages just to keep working there.


    The rich aroma of the milk was somewhat intoxicating. Lin Qi was used to consuming other food with warm milk for breakfast, while Katherine and others were ustomed to cold milk, which felt unpleasant.


    After finishing breakfast, he tidied up his appearance and headed to a nearby street not far from where they rented a ce.


    During these past few days, he hadn''t been idle, although not in terms of seeking employment. Instead, he pondered over where to acquire his first pot of gold.


    Although this world was entirely different from another, some trajectories of development were still traceable.


    For instance, you know that thend beneath your feet would be worth a fortune in a hundred years. You know that the prices of artworks skyrocket annually. You know...


    Standing in Lin Qi''s current position, everyone would feel a sense of ambition because most of them could seize the pulse of the future.


    However, the problem was that most people''s ambition only remained as suchit wouldn''t materialize. That''s because the present isn''t the future, and anything requires capital.


    Where does the capitale from?


    It doesn''t fall from the sky ore drifting in on water. In reality, even if many were given the chance to go back in time, they wouldn''t have the ability to change their lives.


    Perhaps some might, but within limits. It might mean buying a few extra houses and then staring at twice the assets than in their previous lives when they grew old, which wasn''t quite what they initially envisioned.


    Some are destined to stir up the world, while others, even if given the opportunity, are powerless.


    Clearly, Lin Qi belonged to the former. He possessed all the qualities; he had seeded before, and that was the decisive key.


    He stood there, staring at aundromat across the street for most of the morning, jotting down notes and sketches in a notebook. He was making his first pot of gold.


    Approaching noon, as the pedestrian traffic began to dwindle, two men wearing trench coats blocked his view. One of them had his hand tucked inside the coat, seemingly gripping something.


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 Chapter 2:

    Chapter 2:


    Mr. Fox was somewhat renowned on this street; he belonged to the category of people with ''ability''. He was willing to assist the poor by lending them money to tide over their difficulties.


    Of course, he wasn''t purely altruistic; he expected kindness in return from the poor, perhaps more than just the principal sum.


    But overall, he was a good man, possibly, maybe, more or less.


    In an underground office, Lin Qi met Mr. Fox, a man who appeared to be around thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, give or take forty.


    He was dressed in this year''s most fashionable deep gray suit with red and blue dots. The cor was adorned with a red and blue silk scarf, somewhat informal yet still quite elegant.


    Before Lin Qi arrived, Mr. Fox had already heard from his subordinates about the young man''s unusual nature, such as the words he had spoken earlier, which piqued his curiosity.


    "Aren''t you afraid of me?" He ordered his subordinate to push Lin Qi into a chair opposite the office desk. "There are very few people on this street who aren''t afraid of me."


    Lin Qi showed no trace of fear; such a situation was trivial to him. He shrugged and countered, "Mr. Fox, would you harm me?"


    This question momentarily stunned Mr. Fox. He pondered seriously and then shook his head. "I usually don''t actively harm anyone, but if you do something unfriendly first..."


    Harming anyone without reason is foolish; it firstly tarnishes one''s own image, and secondly, aimless actions like these attract the attention of investigative bureaus.


    Most people were looking for money, not trouble, and Mr. Fox was no exception.


    "That''s right, then why should I be afraid?" Lin Qi''sposed face and smile made Mr. Fox momentarily puzzled.


    He nced at his assistant and then refocused his gaze on Lin Qi''s face. "But my people say you''ve been watching me these past few days. Perhaps you can tell me why? Are you from the Bureau?"


    Before Lin Qi arrived, they had searched him but found nothing to prove his identity. Coupled with his attire, which didn''t match the style of the Bureau, Fox didn''t believe he was an investigator from the Bureau.


    This was also what intrigued him. For some time now, this young man had been eyeing his business, thatundry shop. He had also inquired about the young man''s identity out of curiosity and caution, resulting in this scene.


    He really wanted to know what Lin Qi was up to.


    He picked up the notebook from Lin Qi''s pocket, flipped through a few pages filled with iprehensible content. He asked his university graduate assistant, who also didn''t recognize the symbols written inside.


    The warmth of Lin Qi''s smile on his face made Mr. Fox feel... somewhat uneasy. It was like... he didn''t know how to describe it, it was like being cared for.


    "It''s like this, Mr. Fox, I noticed the business of theundry shop and some of your minor troubles, and I believe you have investigated me and know the problems I am currently facing..."


    Mr. Fox nodded, emphasizing, "Poverty!"


    Lin Qi pointed to the ceiling, diverting Mr. Fox''s attention and regaining control of the conversation. "You''re right. That''s why I need to get out of the financial crisis quickly. I want to do some business with you."


    Suddenly, everyone in the office burst intoughter - Mr. Fox, his assistant, and two rather intimidating men, allughed heartily.


    Lin Qi, without embarrassment, looked at Mr. Fox. After they hadughed for about thirty seconds or so, he asked, "This isn''t a joke."


    Mr. Foxughed again. Whileughing, he asked, "But I don''t see any business we could do between us..." Hisughter naturally stopped, and then he frowned. "You want to borrow money?"


    Lin Qi shook his head. "No, business, Mr. Fox!"


    Mr. Fox had enough ofughter. His inherent curiosity and desire for knowledge urged him to continue the conversation, at least until he knew the answer or lost interest.


    "So, what business do you want to do with me?" He asked with interest.


    Lin Qi''s confident and sunny smile easily garnered favor, "I can provide more loose change, nickels, dimes, quarters, and fifty-cent coins, all in coins, both old and new..."


    Mr. Fox''s face underwent a sudden change; a hint of something chilling emanated from his slightly narrowed eyes. If one were to interpret that gaze, it was undoubtedly menacing.


    "Do you know what I''m doing?" he couldn''t resist, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. "You''re quite bold!"


    Lin Qi remained unfazed. "If I''m not afraid of being poor, why would I fear anything else?"


    The two locked eyes for a moment. It seemed that this individual named Lin Qi was indeed audacious, and his words also sparked some genuine interest in Mr. Fox.


    Certain industries operated in a gray area; for instance, the financialpany he was currently managing wasn''t entirely legal. Not only was he under scrutiny by the investigative bureau, but also the federal tax bureau.


    He needed to legitimately dere the money he had through certain channels without attracting too much attention. Theundry shop served as a great channel for this purpose.


    No one bothered about the origin of each coin, nor did they have a clue about their source. Essentially, all theundry shops across the entire Baylor Federation() were controlled by these individuals.


    However, they faced amon problem: it was too slow!


    The middle and upper ss had their washing machines; they didn''t need to send clothes to the street for washing. Only the poor would do that.


    But the poor would often umte a week''s worth of clothes beforeing to wash, and they would wash everything at once.


    Therefore, people like Mr. Fox deliberately introduced a new charging standard based on weight, but it was still not enough. They couldn''t force everyone to wash clothes every day; doing so would only attract the attention of the investigative and tax bureaus, which was Mr. Fox''s biggest headache.


    Despite having a safe full of money, he couldn''t take it out. That feeling was just terrible!


    Now, this individual in front of him imed that he knew how to solve this problem, which has sparked some interest in Mr. Fox. "How do you intend to do it?"


    Lin Qi didn''t hold back and openly disclosed his method. He couldn''t hide it, regardless of his current status and position. Mr. Fox''s curiosity was unstoppable, so Lin Qi thought it''d be better to be forthright and show his sincerity.


    "I''ll gather arge number of coins to sell to you in exchange for a portion of the fee, and my ie will be the difference between that."


    Mr. Fox nced at his assistant, who muttered something in his ear for a while. Then, with a furrowed brow, he asked, "How much do you want?"


    Lin Qi''s enthusiastic smile made Mr. Fox feel that inexplicable sensation again, like... he didn''t know how to describe it, like being loved.


    "Ten percent!" Lin Qi said firmly.


    "Are you insane?" Mr. Fox couldn''t help but exim. "I''d rather wait slowly!"


    He couldn''t ept ten percent. When the transaction amount was a buck, it was just ten cents. But when the transaction amount reached hundreds of thousands or millions, it would be a considerable figure that would make him distressed.


    Lin Qi didn''t immediately negotiate with him but raised a new question, "Mr. Fox, do you have the Trade Report() here?"


    The Trade Report was one of thergest newspapers issued by the Baylor Federation, covering all seventeen states and regions. Its content mainly focused on national and international financial trends, as well as local economic changes.


    During this series of "confrontations," Mr. Fox gradually lost his initiative. He nced at his assistant, who nodded, indicating that they had it.


    Although their business wasn''t entirely appropriate, their work was indeed closely rted to finance.


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 Chapter 3:

    Chapter 3:


    A few minutester, Mr. Fox''s assistant brought in two newspapers, one dated four months ago and the other from this week.


    Companies like Mr. Fox''s financial firm were highly concerned about national and international financial trends. Dealing with money daily, they understood the significance of these trends.


    Additionally, they closely monitored societal changes such as employment rates, unemployment, and public safety.


    If unemployment rates continued to rise, they would decrease interest rates while reducingrge loans to minimize risks, making their business more appealing.


    When the country''s economy visibly improved, they would increase interest rates and encourage people to borrow more because they could afford to pay back.


    Every day, Mr. Fox''s assistant would read numerous newspapers to analyze uing national situations, determining whether to prematurely terminate certain businesses or feign ignorance about them.


    This was not a straightforward business. Those who couldn''t grasp it found it challenging to sustain. Only individuals like Mr. Fox could manage it long-term.


    This was why he spent a fortune hiring a university graduate to assist him. He viewed it as a career, not a quick money-making scheme.


    After flipping through the newspaper for about ten minutes, Lin Qi, undisturbed by Mr. Fox, was served coffee and cigarettes.


    He harbored a faint expectation. This ordinary man called Lin Qi would surely surprise him.


    This wasn''t baseless spection; it was his observation.


    An ordinary person like Lin Qi couldn''t remain calm when being invited by a man like him, let alone maintain eye contact while he revealed his murderous intentions.


    He wasn''t an ordinary childconsidering Mr. Fox''s age, Lin Qi was indeed just a child; he was only twenty.


    Several minutester, Lin Qi drew a few lines with his pen and then ced both newspapers in front of Mr. Fox. "I''ve marked the sections you need to read so that you can see them more clearly."


    Mr. Fox and his assistant earnestly perused the papers but found no clues after several readings. They only contained real estate agency information, and they hadn''t discovered anything significant.


    Mr. Fox seemed puzzled. "I don''t know what these represent or if they have any special meaning."


    Lin Qi remained patient. Faced with an exceptional client and money in his pocket, anyone needing money could be patient.


    He approached Mr. Fox. His assistant tried to stop him but was stopped by Mr. Fox, signaling Lin Qi had gained a measure of trust.


    If he could fulfill what he''d said earlier, that trust wouldst a long time.


    "This newspaper provides information on the leasing of two street-front apartments. The rent for this one is...," Lin Qi pointed to the section he had marked but didn''t continue.


    Mr. Fox instinctively replied, "One hundred and thirty-five bucks."


    Lin Qi nodded in agreement. "Correct, one hundred and thirty-five bucks. Let''s disregard everything else and look at the neighboring apartment''s price..."


    Mr. Fox cooperatively shifted his gaze to the information Lin Qi had marked on the other newspaper, continuing, "One hundred and seventy-two bucks!"


    "These two apartments are on opposite sides of the street, not more than a hundred meters apart. What do you notice from these price changes, Mr. Fox?"


    After pondering for a moment, Mr. Fox began to seriously consider and said, "The monthly rent increased by thirty-seven bucks!"


    In Lin Qi''s past mature and sessful cases, he always believed in involving participants more deeply. It would save time and avoid problems people hadn''t even considered themselves.


    People would convince themselves and firmly believe their conclusions were correct, especially in mathematical problems.


    Before explicitly stating an answer to some mathematical problems, each person would firmly believe their answer was correct and others'' were wrong.


    Through a simple "mathematical form," Mr. Fox underwent a profound engagement process. This feeling led him to a false sense of security, a faade he had created for himself.


    He wouldn''t think Lin Qi was a scammer because Lin Qi didn''t tell him this; Mr. Fox concluded it through his clever thinking and believed in his conclusion.


    "The increase in rent implies that buying these properties requires more money. In the past four months...," Lin Qi paused. "No, actually, every day, it''s been increasing. It''s a gradual change that you might not notice, but it''s indeed changing. Do you agree, Mr. Fox?"


    Mr. Fox nodded. "So, what does this have to do with our previous business?"


    "Of course, Mr. Fox. These houses are there. They don''t change over time, such as gaining a few bricks or losing some tiles."


    "Their appearance uponpletion remains the same, but their price has changed. What does it imply?"


    Without waiting for Mr. Fox to ponder, Lin Qi provided the answer, as Mr. Fox wouldn''t arrive at it himself.


    What he wanted to do was to guide people towards the corners he needed them to discover at the right moment, rather than encouraging them to diverge their thinking!


    "If an item''s value hasn''t changed, but there''s a change in ''payment,'' it means the value represented by the currency used has changed."


    "In other words, over the past four months, our currency...," Lin Qi took out a coin from his pocket and held it between his thumb and forefinger.


    He lightly flicked it, creating a slightly discreet but audible metallic vibration that attracted everyone''s attentiontheir gazes, Mr. Fox''s, his assistant''s, and the nearby bodyguard''s, all focused on the coin that was being tossed into the air.


    Confidently, Lin Qi stated, "It''s been depreciating, roughly between twenty-two to twenty-five percent, Mr. Fox."


    Mr. Fox''s attention shifted from the five-cent coin lying motionless on the newspaper, and he began to contemte Lin Qi''s words seriously, then nced at his assistant.


    The assistant felt embarrassed. He wasn''t a finance major but a management graduate. If it weren''t for Mr. Fox''s higher pay and the fact that Mr. Fox was his father, he wouldn''t have appeared here."


    He felt Lin Qi''s words didn''t quite add up, yet he couldn''t find any obvious ws. Lin Qi continued with his examples, incorporating the concepts of "depreciation" and "currency as amodity."


    He wasn''t lying; everything he said was true. His examples were wless, even mentioning how ten years ago, people could buy a newspaper for five cents, but now it required fifty cents.


    The newspaper was still the samea paper with inkand its production process hadn''t changed significantly. It wasn''t that the newspaper became expensive; it was that the money had depreciated.


    As Mr. Fox slowlyprehended, he felt a sense of dread. He adjusted his sitting position slightly and said with reluctance, ''But our interest rates are very high, and some of them arepounded!"


    He wanted to provide himself with a sense of security. However, Lin Qi shattered this fragile sense of security in a few seconds with hisughter.


    "I understand, Mr. Fox. The problem is that the currency depreciating isn''t those easily avable and presented ones; it''s all your assets!"


    "All your assets are depreciating at a rate of five percent per month, and this is a also form of pound interest.'' If you don''t quickly transfer all your money to the Federal Tax Bureau toplete the final procedures..."


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 Chapter 4:

    Chapter 4:


    After leaving Mr. Fox''s ce, Lin Qi took a stroll down the street. After finalizing this deal, he would soon receive his first payment, and the amount of this payment would be directly rted to how much he was going to invest.


    The more he invested, the higher the profits; this type of business was actually coveted by even the top financial conglomerates.


    During this period, he had been reading newspapers. Even with the whole world focused on extensive development and economic growth in finance, some funds had not promised an annual return rate exceeding fifteen percent.


    In the first-quarter ''Trading Report'' of this year, some detailed data fromst year were disclosed. Even the funds with the highest actual return rate had an annual return of only 9.74%, which was less than ten percent. However, it still became one of the most lucrative funds in terms of profits fromst year.


    Hence, this deal was crucial. However, a new problem arose. He needed a "principal" to exchange for those coins and change.


    Mr. Fox didn''t mention this money, and given his thorough investigation into Lin Qi''s background, it was impossible for him not to know that Lin Qi didn''t even have a hundred bucks on him or in his bank ount, let alone the scale of help he promised to Mr. Fox to swiftly aplish the ''transition''."


    He needed another sum of money, not too muchseveral hundred or maybe one or two thousand would suffice. Once this started rolling, its momentum would only increase. He nned to discuss it with Catherine when he returned home tonight.


    Although he felt somewhat... doing this, for the future, it was an unavoidable act.


    Time slipped away while he idled. Lin Qi returned home earlier than usual today, at half-past six in the evening. Catherine came back carrying a bag from the supermarket where she worked.


    Inside were scraps of meat and some seemingly less fresh vegetables the supermarket intended to discard. These items would mostly be divided among the employees, as their purpose for enduring oppression and exploitation was to obtain these items for free.


    As Catherine entered the apartment, she was surprised. Lin Qi had been returning home quitetetely. Today was the first time he came back so early during this period.


    Initially, she had fantasies of Lin Qi finding a proper job, preferably in a factory. Though factory work was arduous and somewhat hazardous, the workers received better welfare benefits and social security.


    While being looked after by those factory owners in all aspects, they could also join organizations like unions. Unlike them, supermarket employees like Catherine couldn''t join organizations like unions because they weren''t ssified as workers. Besides, there was no non-governmental organization like a "Cashiers'' Union."


    Nightmares lingered, while pleasant dreams were easily disrupted.


    For an entire week, Lin Qi, who seemed to have regained his momentum, returned to square one. However, this time, he didn''t stay at home but used the excuse of job hunting to pass the time outside.


    Thinking about this, Catherine grew despondent. She realized her past choices were not merely naive; they were outright foolish. Her eyes had been blinded.


    It was through experiencing these things that she realized how correct her mother''s words werelooks didn''t matter; life required a foundation, not just appearances.


    After taking a nce at Lin Qi, she changed her shoes and then carried the bag into the kitchen, starting to clean up those bits of minced meat.


    These were bits of meat scraped from bones, shapeless and mostly the size of fingertips. For some reason, they appeared darker than neatly disyed beef and were challenging to sell even at low prices. Most people bought them not for themselves but to feed dogs.


    In reality, these meat scraps had no issues.


    The room was saturated with a silence that harbored something diforting, something spreading and undting continually.


    Lin Qi sat on a sofa they had salvaged from a trash heap, watching his girlfriend silently prepare food. Although the distance between them was less than ten meters, it felt as if a chasm had appeared between them.


    "Do you have any extra money?" Lin Qi asked.


    Catherine''s movements with the meat scraps paused slightly. She didn''t turn back or say anything. After a brief pause, she continued with her work. "I have some, less than five hundred. It''s what I''ve saved this year."


    Saving money wasn''t easy, especially for young people with only a high school education.


    Rent, electricity, water, heating expenses, along with other necessary expenditures, coupled with only one person working to support the livelihood of two, saving more than four hundred bucks was already an extremely challenging feat.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere took on an eerie heaviness, weighing on the chests of both individuals.


    Neither of them spoke until Catherine finished preparing dinner.


    As usual, the scraps apanied by fried eggs, some tattered vegetable leaves, and pieces of broken noodles. These were the items the supermarket discarded daily, now sustaining many impoverished families.


    "My mom came to see me today," Catherine broke the silence while eating. "She doesn''t want us to continue like this, but I couldn''t convince her..."


    Lin Qi put down his fork and knife, watching Catherine add some fresh "seasoning" to her tetransparent, slightly bitter, and mildly salty.


    In fact, Catherine had made herself quite clear. She couldn''t persuade her mother, indicating that one of them had to convince the other. And it seemed likely that she was the one being convinced.


    The already unappetizing meal became even less appealing on the te. Lin Qi sighed. "When are you leaving?"


    Catherine was on the verge of breaking down. "Tomorrow. My mom and brother wille to pick me up. I''m sorry; I don''t want this, but..."


    "It''s okay, you don''t need to apologize. I should be the one apologizing." Lin Qi reached out, touching Catherine''s tear-stained cheek. He needed to take responsibility for the actions done by the previous owner of his current body.


    For over two years, all the burdens of life had been weighing down on this young girl of only twenty.


    Undoubtedly, Lin Qi was a scumbag, a terrible one at that.


    This kind of life gradually eroded the girl''s romantic ideals and dreams for the future. She had undergone these experiences and began bowing down to reality and fate, although somewhere deep down, a shred of fantasy might still linger.


    Like...


    There were no "likes." Lin Qi wouldn''t ask the girl to stay. Whether she decided to leave first or they continued with a life filled with uncertainties and danger, it didn''t suit this girl.


    Although it might sound cruel, it was the truth.


    After an unforgettable night, the next morning, Catherine left early, leaving something behind for Lin Qi.


    A passbook and the key to the apartment.


    Thanks to the bank''sck of concern about who essed the money in the passbook, this became a testimony to Catherine bidding farewell to her past life.


    After tidying up, Lin Qi withdrew all the money from the passbook in the morningFour hundred forty-nine bucks and thirty-five cents. Afterward, he found thendlord and chatted with them for about half an hour. In the end, he managed to get a hundred bucks refunded for the remaining half-month of the rent. Originally, it should be seventy-five bucks, but Lin Qi didn''t take any of his belongings. Thendlord felt this deal wasn''t too much of a loss, so he eventually agreed, giving an extra twenty-five bucks.


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 Chapter 5:

    Chapter 5:


    "Sir, would you like a newspaper?" A young boy with a dirty duck-billed cap slung over a massive leather satchel appeared in front of Lin Qi.


    The boy appeared to be around eleven or twelve years old, looking at Lin Qi with some anticipation. He opened his satchel, revealing the newspapers inside.


    These kids belonged to various "News Heads ()," not the front page news head, but the managers of the newsboys.


    They controlled the mobile newspaper sales market in certain areas by means of rtionships, tactics, or other methods. Only their newsboys could sell papers here; others couldn''t enter, and newsstands weren''t involved.


    Every morning they gathered outside the newspaper office to load the papers, still warm from the presses, onto carts and wheeled them back to their "base." Then they distributed them to these kids and chased them onto the streets.


    Each child had a sales target, a minimum limit. If they fell below that limit, they''d get beaten or go hungry. Only after exceeding this standard could they have food, but without any reward.


    Orphanages and some poor families had already taken away their earnings. All they had to do was work as much as possible to exchange for a ce to shelter and two meals to survive.


    Some might perceive it as a hellish situation, butpared to those plunged into deeper despair, these children were like angels in heaven.


    Lin Qi pulled out a one-buck note from his pocket and selected two newspapers. Local publications cost fifty cents each, while national ones cost a buck each.


    The newsboy repeatedly thanked Lin Qi, even going as far as taking off his hat and bowing. For Lin Qi, a buck for two newspapers might be an unavoidable part of life, but it was the daily redemption this kid craved most.


    As the boy prepared to leave, Lin Qi called him back.


    "Sir, is there anything else I can assist you with?" asked the boy.


    Children like him often adapted better to society than those from decent families still in school. Observing the somewhat immature yet reality-experienced smile on the boy''s face, Lin Qi felt a twinge of emotion.


    It was the worst of times, yet the best of times.


    "Do you want to make money?" Lin Qi asked.


    The boy immediately nodded. "I dream of it, sir, but I won''t do anything illegal."


    Where there is light, there will be darkness; as light entuates its brilliance against darkness, it concurrently magnifies the depth of darkness.


    Some used these kids to sell newspapers, while others exploited them for criminal activities. These were not secret rumors; in this society''s thriving process, everyone was blinded by wealth.


    As long as money could be made, there would always be someone doing whatever work was avable.


    Lin Qi shook his head. "Do you have ny-seven cents?"


    Though hesitant, the newsboy quickly took out ny-seven cents from his pocket. He had some change ced in his satchel by the news head upon leaving.


    This money didn''t belong to them. After returning, the news head would tally it up. If someone lost or had less money, they''d suffer hunger or even beatings. This made these kids very sensitive about money.


    Seeing the newsboy''s ny-seven cents all in coins, Lin Qi took out a buck and ced it in the boy''s left hand, then retrieved the ny-seven cents from his other hand.


    "Sir, you''re still three cents short. I''ll find it for you now," the newsboy thought Lin Qi wanted change. Urban transport generally issued two types of tickets: ten cents and twenty-five cents, one for within five kilometers, the other for beyond five kilometres.


    Whether by bus or subway, they didn''t give change. If one gave them fifty cents, they''d only issue two tickets, not one ticket and change.


    This led many people to carry some change to avoid losses.


    Lin Qi stopped the newsboy''s action and repeated, "Do you want to make money?"


    The newsboy hadn''t caught on yet. Being able to take advantage so openly for the first time made him somewhat uneasy. After hesitating for a moment, he nodded and said, "Yes, sir, I do, I''ve always dreamed of it!"


    Lin Qi''s gradually emerging smile made the boy feel as if he saw the newly risen sunnot ring, but gentle, yet capable of tearing through darkness and illuminating the entire sky!


    "Do you have ny-seven cents?" he asked again.


    The newsboy, briefly stunned, shocked, and bewildered, quickly pulled out the ny-seven cents from his bag, cupping it in his palm.


    His face flushed red, revealing excitement, nervousness, suspicion, and anticipation. His clear eyes fixed on Lin Qi, watching what this guy was about to do.


    Lin Qi gave another buck, ced it in the newsboy''s hand, and took the ny-seven cents from his hand. With a soft smile, he repeated, "Do you want to make money?"


    The newsboy at this moment was so excited that he was trembling. He nodded repeatedly and handed over all the change he could gather, "It''s all here, sir..."


    Lin Qi counted twelve bucks and handed it to him, then pocketed all the change. "Looks like this is all you have."


    The newsboy was excited. Even though he had exchanged only fourteen bucks in change from Lin Qi, he already had forty-two cents, almost half a buck of his own ie.


    In his current role, even if he did his job well, he wouldn''t get a single penny. The news head would only give the rewards to the orphanage.


    This newsboy was a child raised in the orphanage. In the orphanage''s view, they should do something for the orphanage. After all, the orphanage had raised them for so long without asking for anything in return.


    Typically, once they surpassed ten years old without being adopted, the chances of adoption were minimal. Except for some girls, their adoptions happened for other reasons and purposes.


    However, the orphanage wouldn''t intervene much. Once the kids passed fourteen, they could refuse adoption. And after sixteen, they had to leave and enter society alone.


    In other words, boys over ten years old were essentially on the "fringe" of the orphanage. It was challenging to earn adoption subsidies or adoption donations from these kids. Thus, they had to work.


    They had to use work to repay the orphanage''s efforts in raising them over the years. Whether this was right didn''t matter, as nobody cared. Everyone only focused on things directly rted to their own interests.


    For these children who had begun to engage with society, the most pressing issue was how to quickly integrate into society after leaving the orphanage and find a ce to belong.


    If they could gather some money before leaving, not too much, just enough to get through a short period, they''d have a chance to survive.


    Lin Qi''s exchange of change opened up a path of hope for this child. Just as he asked beforedo you want to make money?


    And the child''s responseI always dream of it!


    As he put the money away, the newsboy hesitated and asked, "Sir, will you be here tomorrow?"


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 6:

    Chapter 6:


    "Today''s money..."


    Mr. Fox looked at the bags of money Lin Qi had exerted a great deal of effort making two trips back and forth to bring over, and fell silent for a while.


    To be honest, his men had been watching Lin Qi closely, to the extent that he already knew how Lin Qi had acquired these coins. He felt curious and amazed by Lin Qi''s intellect.


    How could someone think of such a method to quickly obtain these coins without causing a noticeable impact in society?


    At this moment, he could have followed Lin Qi''s method, thereby saving ten percent in fees. However, he didn''t intend to do so.


    He realized thatpared to the ten percent fee, the real valuable asset was actually Lin Qi''s intellect and his creative mind.


    "Do you want to count it?" Lin Qi straightened up, stretched his body, and let out a sigh of relief. Ungracefully, he sat down on a chair, took out a pack of cigarettes, lit one, and leisurely took a drag. "I can wait."


    Mr. Fox shook his head and instructed his subordinate to take away the coins. Later, these funds would be sent to the federal tax bureau for counting, registration, tax payment, and then deposited into the bank.


    For some time now, people like Mr. Fox hadn''t had a good way to solve these issues.


    Frankly speaking, most people in this line of work were not exactly societal elites. Theycked high education, had little understanding of many professional fields, and some even had limited literacy.


    Their business didn''t require such knowledge. Anyone who wasn''t afraid of death and trouble could do it. However this also led to many problems.


    In recent years, both the Baylor Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau had been closely monitoring these people. Besides catching some of their actions, they were also keeping an eye on the money in their pockets.


    They didn''t have much legitimate business, which caused them a lot of trouble. Having money but not being able to spend it became a silent agony.


    Because of this, the Baylor Federal Government introduced a series of legal provisions to restrictrge cash transactions. ording to these regtions, cash transactions exceeding five thousand bucks had to be reported, and those surpassing fifty thousand bucks needed scrutiny.


    Evenrge cash deposits into banks required prior notification of the source of funds and the intended use, along with sufficient andprehensive tax payment proof to confirm the money''s legitimacy.


    Withprehensive restrictions and the strict vignce of the personnelbeled as "investigators," "detectives," or even "agents" within the Federal Tax Bureau, everyone lived a difficult life.


    Despite the vaults being full of cash, they couldn''t take it out. Even going out to spend it might result in targeted checks and scrutiny, creating significant challenges in everyday life.


    But now, Mr. Fox saw something special in Lin Qi, more than just simple coin trading. He saw something he had always desired.


    He snapped out of his reverie and nced at Lin Qi, shrugging. "I should pay you..."


    "Round it off, five hundred and sixty bucks," Lin Qi generously waived off a few bucks to increase mutual trust.


    Mr. Fox smiled, opened a drawer filled with banknotes, many of which were in denominations of fifty and one hundred.


    When his hand reached for a one hundred buck bill, Lin Qi lightly coughed. "I think five and ten would be better. What do you think?"


    Mr. Fox nodded without hesitation and counted out five hundred and sixty bucks for him.


    Hundred-buck bills were rarely used in daily life, mostly confined to corporate settlements and some registeredrge cash transactions. In this society withoutworks or electronic offices, there were numerous loopholes in banking.


    To avoid some identified issues, businesses still conductedrge cash transactions between themselves rather than using phone transfers, especially for inter-bank transfers, which often encountered issues.


    If someone spent a hundred-buck bill outside, certain departments would immediately keep an eye on themnever underestimate people''s sense of justice.


    During official business processes like tax filing, many shop owners received pamphlets or direct oral information on what to do when receiving one-hundred-buck bills and the benefits and drawbacks of their actions.


    This made it difficult for hundred-buck bills to circte in the lower and middle sses. If someone had too many hundred-buck bills, judges would consider approving search warrants even with insufficient evidence.


    This was the most painful aspect for people like Mr. Foxhaving money but being unable to spend it, and even others might not ept it.


    His attempt to take out the hundred-buck bills was a test for Lin Qi. If Lin Qi had not spoken up, their business would have been limited to coin transactions only.


    Someone unable to discern the situation,cking awareness, caution, and alertness, wouldn''t merit deeper connections. Fortunately, Lin Qi smoothly passed this test.


    Mr. Fox rested his hands on the chair''s armrest and slightly tilted his head, looking at Lin Qi. "This pace is too slow. Do you have a better way?"


    Simrly, Lin Qi pocketed the bills without counting them. "In a few days, there will be more, and soon your treasures will see the light."


    Mr. Fox didn''t press further; he simply breathed a sigh of relief. "I''m looking forward to that day!"


    Lin Qi was in Sabin City(), which ranked toward the bottom among the second-tier cities directly under the Baylor Federation. The total poption of this small city was less than eight hundred thousand.


    However, this small city managed to sell at least a hundred thousand newspapers every day. In other words, even if they were all local newspapers, it represented fifty thousand bucks in change.


    Moreover, in Lin Qi''s n, there were various other channels for change, including various retail industries.


    Currently, the main circting currency in society consisted of coins and one, two, and five-buck bills. Except for the two-buck and five-buck bills, which wouldn''t appear inunderettes, one-buck bills could be found.


    As his influence began to expand, he could draw all the change from the entire city. However, this transaction couldn''t be sustained for long.


    The tax bureau would keep an eye on him, and the investigative bureau would also look into whether he had had close ties with these individuals.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 7:

    Chapter 7:


    "The golden light shone by wealth will attract those lost in the fog of poverty."


    "They might not acquire enough wealth to make them shine as well, but it can improve their lives a bit."


    These words were spoken by Lin Qi. In just a few days, the entire Sabin knew about someone who could quickly turn loose change into substantial sums, and it was profitable.


    A significant amount of loose change continuously rolled into whole sums in Lin Qi''s pockets. It wasn''t just the News Heads; even some newsstands and retail stores were doing the same.


    A three percent profit without any effort, without any riskthis gain might seem like only three cents to many. But as the principal sum grew, it could be a substantial figure. Whether it was a hundred bucks or a thousand bucksjust give the money to Lin Qi, and then one could get back more. It was that simple.


    ording to the Baylor Federalws regarding wages and work hours, in Sabin, an ordinary worker''s monthly wage was around two to three hundred bucks. For more hazardous jobs, the pay might be slightly higher, but those were rtively scarce. That was about the standard pay.


    Ten bucks already equaled a day''s work for aborer. Yet, with Lin Qi, there was no need for anyborjust hand over the money and then one would receive this sum.


    While some people didn''t see the appeal, many others found it enticing.


    A considerable amount of loose change began to umte and systematically appeared in Mr. Fox''sundry shop. Then, a weekter, as Lin Qi pushed his cart into Mr. Fox''s controlledundry store, two individuals in ck woolen coats, formal attire, waistcoats, and white shirts appeared before him.


    This made him realize why Mr. Fox had mentioned he didn''t look like a federal government official. It was because hecked the telltale outfit and the arrogance that these individuals had, the kind that screamed their exact identities.


    "Lin Qi?" The person blocking the cart casually called out Lin Qi''s name as per their routine, then unbuttoned their coat to reveal a wallet hanging from their inner pocket.


    Half of the wallet was tucked inside the coat, preventing it from falling out, while the other half with their identification dangled outside. The people from the Federal Investigation Bureau did this too, finding it rather dashing.


    Why they held such a foolish notion probably had something to do with some popr movies from the past couple of years. Actors looked cool doing it, but bringing these things into reality only seemed foolish.


    "I''m from the Federal Tax Bureau and need your cooperation" There was no room for negotiation; the tone was not just firm but edged.


    Lin Qi smiled and asked, "Should I raise my hands?"


    Truthfully, from the beginning, he knew he''d have to deal with these people, not just this once but continuously. He just hadn''t expected to be targeted so soon.


    That was the gamewealth''s golden allure didn''t just attract those longing for a bit of its radiance. It also attracted some fault-finding ''bad guys''.


    His words seemed to mock the two investigators. Generally, people often associated raised hands with firearms. It was evident these two investigators weren''t qualified to carry weapons. In the system of the Baylor Federal Tax Bureau, investigators were the lowest-ranking employees, far below the ''detectives'' and ''agents'' above them, although many wonder why the tax bureau would even need ''agents''.


    The guy behind Lin Qi grabbed his wrist and cor, pushing him against the wall, delivering a taste of force. Passersby on the street instantly distanced themselves, avoiding involvement.


    Some left, some stayed to watch the show.


    The investigator who had been speaking to Lin Qi once again showed his badge, dispersing the crowd. He pushed Lin Qi''s cart, taking him and the cart into an adjacent alley with his colleague.


    A slightly disheveled Lin Qi rubbed his cheekbone. When his face was pressed against the wall, it had smarted a bit, likely leaving a bruise, but he wasn''t too bothered.


    One investigator rummaged through his cart, opening the box and tossing some old clothes onto the ground, as if searching for something.


    The other inquired, "You''ve been close to Mr. Foxtely. Are you working for him?" He pulled out a small notebook and a pen, seemingly ready to jot down something at any moment.


    The local Federal Tax Bureau had long been eyeing individuals like Mr. Fox. However, this "eyeing" didn''t necessarily mean they had to bring people like him to justice. Where there''s light, there''s always darkness. This is not the characteristic of darkness but of light itself.


    If it weren''t for Lin Qi, perhaps this slightly peculiar but socially eptable bnce could have been maintained for a while longer. That is, until a new local tax bureau director took office, or the current one needed some achievements, and then they''de after Mr. Fox.


    But the problem was, with Lin Qi''s entry, the unusual actions of Mr. Fox and Lin Qi were elerating certain things beyond control.


    Capturing a tax evader with arge sum involved would be a significant achievement in the Federal Tax system, paving the way for promotions. Yet, letting Mr. Fox slip away The current local Tax Bureau director wouldn''t receive praise; instead, there''d be suspicion of some backdoor dealings.


    Coupled with potential personnel changes within the Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau, some individuals became restless.


    At the first sign of this, the local Federal Tax Bureau immediately took action. After confirming Lin Qi''s identity and recent activities, they roughly pieced together the situation between him and Mr. Fox.


    To these experienced investigators, Lin Qi was just a lucky kid who stumbled upon a money-making opportunity. If Lin Qi became their breakthrough, it was highly likely they could cooperate to directly bring down Mr. Fox''s group.


    But their first task was to understand what exactly Mr. Fox and Lin Qi were up to. Was it what they suspected? Hence, the "raid" took ce.


    Facing these menacing investigators, Lin Qi maintained his smile. A smile bridged distances and rxed people, concealing other people''s vignce. "May I know your name?"


    The investigator facing him chuckled and suddenly stepped forward, punching Lin Qi in the stomach. It instantly caused a turmoil inside him, triggering a nauseating sensation.


    "You don''t need to know my name, just answer the questions, understand?" The investigator grabbed Lin Qi''s hair, making him bend over, facing upward, "I''m asking you again, what transactions do you have with Fox? How does his money enter the bank"


    Lin Qi''s facial muscles twitched, slowly straightening up. The smile reappeared on his face. He mimicked a gun with his right hand against his chin, gazing at the investigator. "Do you have a gun? Let me have a taste of a bullet.."


    His words left the investigator momentarily flustered. Then came embarrassment, but when he met Lin Qi''s gaze, it was like a bucket of cold water had been poured on him,pletely extinguishing his fire.


    Bright, clear eyes held an expectation, apanied by the tone and a hint of unsettling madness in his voice, causing the investigator''s heart to skip a beat.


    He could distinctly feel itthis person was insane!


    Instinctively, he swallowed, averted his gaze, but then turned back, staring at Lin Qi, pushing him away fiercely, seemingly menacingly shouting, "Answer the questions!"


    In reality, he was feeling a bit scared now, but he used this demeanor to mask his fear, keeping a distance from Lin Qi. He didn''t want to expose his true feelings to a young man who had only recently left school.Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 8:

    Chapter 8:


    "There''s nothing..." Another investigator, unaware of what had happened here, tossed out the worn-out clothes from two boxes, including the wooden boxes used to store them, which were split into several pieces.


    There were no coins or change here. Not even a single coin, let alone the hundreds or thousands mentioned in the tip-offs.


    The first reaction of the investigator engaged in this delicate confrontation was disbelief upon hearing this. They had almost concluded their investigation; this young man named Lin Qi had been exchanging change on a massive scale in unimaginable ways.


    Before Lin Qi''s appearance, nobody would incur such losses just to exchange change. He had set a precedent, and behind his nearly limitless change exchanges, the investigators from the Sabin City Tax Bureau believed it was for Fox''s use.


    During this period, Lin Qi had only interacted with Fox and no one else. Added to that, in the past few days, there had been a significant increase in the tax amounts reported by theundry shop under Fox''s name. The Sabin Tax Bureau considered Lin Qi as the "key figure."


    Actually, for the past two days, someone had been keeping an eye on him. Based on his behavioral pattern, he was expected to take the collected coins and deliver them to theundry shop. Ostensibly, it was for washing clothes, but in reality, it was for conducting illegal transactions.


    Then he would continue to exchange change until the next time he had gathered a certain amount again.


    As long as they caught those coins in his possession, marked them, and then had Lin Qi deliver the coins to theundry shop, the entire chain of evidence would beplete.


    Once Fox started reporting tax details, they would immediately arrange for an officer toe and inspect the information he submitted, then catch him red-handed and send him to prison.


    Everything had been meticulously calcted, but unfortunately, there was a problem here. Aside from a pile of old clothes on the cart, there wasn''t a single coin. Where had the money gone?


    In a mere few seconds, the investigator''s gaze briefly lost focus. Then, he turned to look at Lin Qi, pointing at him, "You''d better watch it..."


    He tapped thepel of his coat and, together with another investigator, swiftly left the scene. They needed to rush to another location.


    Their extensive experience prevented them from solely relying on this team. Another group raided Lin Qi''s current temporary residence. If there was no money here, then the money must be in his room.


    However, the investigators couldn''t shake off the feeling that things weren''t that simple. This young man, Lin Qi... he was somewhat inscrutable, not at all like someone who had just emerged from an ivory tower, still in awe of the world.


    Lin Qi watched the two investigators leave the alley. He spat on the ground, bent down to pick up the clothes, and then pushed the cart out of the alley.


    Sunlight shone on his face. There was no trace of the humiliation and punch he had received moments ago. It was as if nothing had happened, his smile unchanged.


    A few minutester, he arrived at theundry shop, going directly into the storage room behind it. After exchanging greetings with two young men, they started dismantling the cart with tools.


    The cart was not small; its main structure was sturdy steel tubing lined with wire. It was apparent at a nce, so the investigator didn''t meticulously inspect the cart.


    The shop owner handed him a cigarette, lighting it for Lin Qi, and apologized, "I''m really sorry about what just happened, but we couldn''t intervene for you..."


    Lin Qi''s gaze passed over the shop owner''s shoulder as he watched the two workers struggle to lift the disassembled cart, tilting it toward a basket.


    With a ttering sound of metal collision, coins of various colors poured out of the steel pipes like running water.


    Lin Qi withdrew his gaze, focusing on the shop owner. He shrugged indifferently, "It''s okay, I''ll have to deal with them eventually. That''s why I declined Mr. Fox''s offer. I don''t like trouble."


    Mr. Fox had expressed the desire to recruit Lin Qi more than once during this period, offering him an exorbitant sry of three thousand bucks a month. In a society where the average monthly ie per person was only two to three hundred, ten times the average sry was enough to tempt many. But not Lin Qi.


    He knew that dealing with individuals like Fox, who skirted the gray areas, meant a lifetime under certain people''s surveince. Once he agreed, he''d be one of them, constantly being watched no matter what he did in the future.


    By not joining, it was another matter. His youth and apparent shallowness wouldn''t attract too much attention.


    By the time people started noticing him, he''d havepleted the initial umtion.


    Moreover, he didn''t admire someone who sustained themselves by lending money to the impoverished in a small town.


    The shop owner smiled but didn''t say anything. Instead, Lin Qi asked again, "Who was the one that hit me?"


    He looked down, smoking, his hair and smoke obscuring his eyes, preventing the shop owner from glimpsing his true emotions.


    "Michael(), the head of the Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau Investigation Team. He''s not someone you want to cross. You''d better not entertain any inappropriate thoughts about them," the shop owner kindly cautioned. The Federal Tax itself was a separate system; they had investigators, detectives, special agents, and even their own militarized units.


    It might sound ludicrous and absurd, but that was the reality. A legitimate,prehensive force underwent the most formal military training to counter certain specific instances of armed tax evasion.


    So, most people would tell rookies in the field that they could do almost anything they wanted, but by the 7th of each month, they had to file taxes at the local tax office. Otherwise...


    As the head of the Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau Investigation Team, Michael''s status wasn''t the highest, but it was mid-level. Even someone like Fox wouldn''t want to offend him without reason. Everyone had ws in their financial dealings because one person couldn''t urately remember every ie and tax rate proportion. Just a small mistake with a decimal point or a digit after the decimal, they couldnd you in jail.


    Lin Qi nodded, stubbing out his cigarette butt. "I know, I''ll step aside next time I see him..."


    The shop owner patted Lin Qi''s shoulder, avoiding further discussion on the topic. "How much is it this time?"


    "Not counting the loose change, four thousand five hundred bucks!"


    The shop owner, upon hearing this, was slightly stunned but then burst intoughter. He pulled out several rolls of banknotes from his pocket, tied with rubber bands.


    These banknotes were all five and ten denominations, extremely worn-out, easily passed off.


    For society as a whole, these five and ten buck notes were like the coins in theundry shop; no one could say where each coin had been before appearing there.


    The Tax Bureau could only ept the money as clean money ording to the amount reported by theundry shop and witness its deposition into the bank.


    Lin Qi rolled up the money and put it back into the cart. He waited a while, taking the dirty clothes after they had been washed and then left with the cart.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, a group of people had just raided Lin Qi''s temporary residence, finding not even a penny, let alone anything valuable.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 9:

    Chapter 9:


    With a loud "bang," a chair shattered in Michael''s hands. His partner hurriedly intervened between him and the "informant," trying to calm Michael down as much as possible.


    Today''s operation was aplete failure. Whether it was stopping and searching Lin Qi, who went to deliver goods, or searching his temporary residence, they found no abnormalities whatsoever.


    They couldn''t find the alleged five thousand bucks in loose change the informant mentioned, not even a single buck''s loose change, neither on Lin Qi nor in the room.


    A failed operation meant Michael would lose face in front of his colleagues. The internal hierarchy and job dynamics within the Federal Tax Bureau created an unimaginable level ofpetition within this specialized department.


    Everyone wanted to be an "agent," not an "investigator," and Michael had a significant chance of promotion. However, if this failed operation disrupted the subsequent ns involving Lin Qi and Fox, he would be aughingstock, with no hope of promotion for two to three years.


    When most people encounter problems, they tend to shift the me onto others. Like them, Michael attributed this failure to unreliable information provided by the informant.


    So, he summoned the informant to this room and, amidst rage and roars, lifted the chair and mmed it hard onto the informant''s back.


    "Do you know how much I lost because of your false information?" he eximed in anger, pointing at the informant lying on the table in apparent pain.


    The informant was a News Head. In Sabin City and other cities, major intelligence channels were controlled by specialized intelligence-gathering agencies and News Heads.


    Newsboys would inform the News Heads about unusual urrences they found. This was also another job of News Heads and newsboys.


    News Heads might not necessarily reward the newsboys. Despite no money or incentives, the newsboys obediently did so, trading their service for favors.


    Some clever investigators and detectives had simr informants, and one News Head might serve more than one client.


    Everyone involved in trading information wasn''t driven by justice or moral values; it was about money. They didn''t need to portray themselves as noble.


    People like Michael existed but were few. Taking the anger out on the informant was a foolish move.


    The blow from the chair made the facial muscles of the News Head lying on the table twist in pain, his eyes glinting with hatred. However, this hatred soon turned submissive.


    Michael had something on him.


    He had previously done something to a young girl, andter, due to some events, it was coincidentally discovered by Michael.


    Michael took away the girl afterwards and left behind some evidence, such as a recorded confession where he admitted guilt, a handwritten ount of the crime with his fingerprints, and the details of the incident.


    "I''m not lying. Just my boys alone gave him nearly fifteen hundred bucks. I swear I''m not lying!" he defended himself, praying for this terrifying situation to pass quickly.


    He seemed to have forgotten that there was once a girl who prayed the same way but didn''t get the oue she hoped for.


    Michael pushed away his partner and approached the table. Grabbing the News Head''s hair, he punched him. His partner stood by, not intervening further.


    As long as Michael didn''t use any tools, his partner wouldn''t interfere too much. Bare hands wouldn''t kill, but holding something could. His actions were merely aimed at preventing any mishaps; it wasn''t genuinely about preventing Michael from exhibiting violent behavior.


    Of course, if someone were to lose their life, there were ways to deal with it, but it would be a bit troublesome. There were many arrangements to make.


    Sabin was a small city. Whether it was the investigative bureau or the tax bureau, they were familiar with the people in the court. They wouldn''t sentence a promising government employee to death for someone skirting the gray area.


    There was a high likelihood of being acquitted immediately, as minor mishaps urring during the pursuit of a fugitive could be deemed eptable.


    One punch, two punches, three punches...


    Several punchesnded before Michael finally stopped. Only when the News Head''s cheeks were swollen and somewhat deformed did he let go of him.


    Shaking his hands, he grabbed a cup of water from the table and poured it over the News Head.


    The water trickled down his hair, instantly sobering up his somewhat blurry consciousness. Following that, intense pain and partial numbness mixed, leaving him feeling... bewildered.


    It hurt a lot, but he couldn''t pinpoint the exact location of the pain.


    "Arrange for your people to deliver five thousand bucks in loose change to him this afternoon, and then we''ll make the arrest!" Michael quickly devised a n. He nced back at his partner, who nodded slightly, agreeing to his n.


    From a judicial standpoint, this behavior of possibly "inducing a crime" was illegal, and any actions taken or evidence collected during the process wouldn''t hold legal validity.


    But this was a small town. Everyone knew each other, and there was no need for their faces to turn sour over things that wouldn''t cause anymotion outside.


    For frontline investigators, sometimes manipting evidence slightly to ensure criminals faced justice was considered normal. Everyone was ustomed to it.


    He yanked the News Head''s hair again, pulling his head back, forcing him to raise his swollen face to gaze at him. "Understood?"


    The News Head''s evasive nce dissipated some of Michael''s anger and other indescribable emotions. He was still the irresistible Michael, not the guy who suddenly became a bit timid and backed down.


    "Yes... I understand..."


    Michael released his grip. The damp hair left water stains on his palm. He wiped his hands back and forth on the News Head''s clothes, then patted the swollen face before leaving with a slightly satisfied smile, amid the News Head''s agonized screams.


    The room returned to silence. The News Head''s eyes shifted from brief hatred, resentment, and madness, gradually turning submissive again.


    He slowly got up. Straightening his back immediately shot a piercing pain through him, causing him to hunch over. He grabbed his hat, pressed it onto his head, paused for a minute or two, and then left the room.


    Meanwhile, Lin Qi, returning from theundry to his temporary residence, observed the disheveled room and promptly decided to call the police.


    Yes, the police. He didn''t silently treat it as if nothing had happened, even though he knew what had urred here.


    Soon, the police arrived. After surveying the scene and Lin Qi mentioning his loss of five hundred bucks, it was evidently deemed a case of burry, and the amount wasn''t insignificant.


    As for how they could solve it, that depended on Lin Qi''s luck. As per the officer, nobody knew who had entered, and there were no witnesses nearby. If the culprit didn''tmit another crime and was caught, it would be challenging for Lin Qi to recover the loss.


    Basically, the case ended there.


    As the police were about to leave, Lin Qi suddenly added some information, "Officer..."


    The officer responsible for recording the scene redirected attention from his colleague toward Lin Qi at the door. He then looked at Lin Qi. "Yes?"


    "I remembered... I also lost a gold ring. It was meant as a gift for my girlfriend, with ''My Dearest Catherine'' engraved inside..." He sighed regretfully. "I should''ve kept it on me!"


    The officer felt more sympathetic towards the young man. He jotted down this small detail at the bottom of the scene report,forting, "This is an important clue. If that person is looking to sell it soon, we might catch them."


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 10:

    Chapter 10:


    After tidying up the room, Lin Qi had new visitors. His residence was a four-story building facing the street. The first and second floors housed a small bar, while the third and fourth floors were for regr tenants.


    Many bars or pubs had rooms for short-term rent on the second floor, avable for three to five days or a week, sometimes even epting temporary leases for a day, resembling more of a guesthouse or hotel.


    This pattern was initially discovered from intoxicated individuals: bar owners would provide them with a bed and then charge them extra. Soon, most bars began doing the same. No one wouldin about taking money from drunkards.


    Alcohol is a very peculiar thing. It can make some people unconscious and be thrown into a ''luxury'' room to sleep for a night by paying extra. It can also make some people be straightforward. That''s why every bar or pub needed some rooms.


    This predetermined that Lin Qi''s current residence wouldn''t be too remote, devoid of people. There was constant pedestrian traffic here, during both day and night.


    The police imed no witnesses were found. Perhaps the culprit was an experienced criminal. But in truth, it was impossible not to have any witnesses, whether residents on the second floor, the bartender behind the bar on the first floor, or the sparse customersthey couldn''t possibly bepletely oblivious.


    However, they wouldn''t speak up. Firstly, Lin Qi had no direct interest or rtion to them. Secondly, it wasn''t necessary to attract the attention of the federal tax bureau or any unwanted trouble for a stranger they didn''t know.


    But this silence inadvertently led the police to misunderstand certain things and granted Lin Qi room to maneuverter.


    Just as he finished tidying the messy room, someone knocked on the door. It was a few newspaper boys.


    They slung bulging leather satchels diagonally, looking strained. Their faces flushed, partly due to the heavy leather bags and partly due to excitement.


    News Head promised them that if they delivered this money and memorized some details in the room, they''d receive an additional reward this month, not less than fifty bucks per person.


    This sum was significant for kids their age. In two or three years, they''d be living independently. They needed to save some money to face society before then. Opportunities were scarce, even if it was just fifty bucks.


    Before closing the door, Lin Qi nced outside. This small bar where he resided was right on the main road. Outside the door was a corridor; beyond the railing of the corridor was the road. Standing here, most things outside could be easily seen.


    Nothing seemed amiss, but his mind was in motion. With years of experience dealing with... events, these kids'' arrival seemed suspicious.


    These past days, only these newspaper boys had transactions here, but News Heads also came asionally. They just didn''t enter the room, mostly staying outside in the corridor.


    Given therge sums handed to these kids, they naturally needed to keep an eye on them, protecting their assets while intimidating them. But today, the News Head of those kids wasn''t outside in the corridor.


    What did that signify?


    Any abnormality implied deeper problems. The News Head''s absence had two possible meanings: either he didn''t want any direct association with Lin Qi and the ce he was staying in, or he knew the ce he was staying in was dangerous. So much so that even if he cared about the money, he didn''t want to show up. However, he probably had a way to ensure his money''s safety.


    This was an obvious conclusion. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have let these newspaper boys bring such arge sum of change to exchange for bills.


    Combined with what Lin Qi had encountered earlier, he already knew roughly what was about to happen next.


    He wasn''t afraid. Instead, a hint of excitement, a desire to take action, swelled in his heart!


    "How much is here?" He fetched a small wooden box from the side and ced it on the cart, instructing the newspaper boys to pour the money inside.


    As the boys poured, they said, "Five thousand in total, sir."


    "Five thousand?" Lin Qi chuckled. His eyes nced at the satchels of the newspaper boys. "That''s a surprisinglyrge number. I thought it would be less."


    This sum was excessive, enough to incriminate him directly. It further solidified his thoughts: someone was setting a trap, and he was in the middle of it.


    Ifter, officials from the tax bureau or investigative bureau barged in, and he couldn''t exin the origin of this money or why it was in his room, he might face serious charges.


    At that point, if they mentioned a "deal," he wouldn''t escape their clutches and would have toply with their demands unless he wished to spend a long time behind bars.


    He nodded without expressing any opinion, and after the box was filled with five thousand coins, he pushed the cart inside and said, "I need to go to the bathroom; so please wait here for a moment."


    Five thousand bucks worth of coins were incredibly heavy. The five-cent coin was the lightest, at 3.7 grams, while the fifty-cent coin was the heaviest, at 6.1 grams. With the ten-cent and twenty-five-cent coins, the average weight of each coin was over four grams.


    In total, it amounted to about a hundred and thirty pounds. Each newspaper boy carried over twenty pounds of coins in their satchels. No wonder their faces were redder than usual; just climbing the stairs made them noticeably strained.


    Once inside the room, Lin Qi didn''t rush back out. He dragged the box full of money into the bathroom and retrieved a sturdier piece of cloth from the freshly washed clothes on the cart.


    He tied both trouser legs tightly, stuffed handfuls of coins into the pant legs, and when the box lightened a bit, poured the coins directly into the trouser.


    Both trouser legs were filled with coins, secured by a belt. He straightened them to resemble a stick and stuffed them into the crude toilet''s drainage hole.


    These aged buildings hadn''t been designed with modern, user-friendly bends in the pipes.


    Not to mention bends, even horizontal pipes would cause sewage from upper floors to overflow directly. Hence, the drainage system was designed with a straight main pipeline, each floor connecting through a downward-sloping pipe directly to the main pipeline, with a one-way valve at the junction with the septic tank.


    This design prevented backflow, sparing lower-floor residents from witnessing toilets spewing waste. However, it would asionally lead to odd smells at home, unless an exhaust fan was installed.


    He hung a soapbox, a simple wooden box, on the belt to ensure the belt wouldn''t sink into the sewage. With this method, when retrieving it at night, he wouldn''t need to plunge into the cesspool to search for it.


    After a faint sound of sinking and the wooden one-way valve rebounding against the pipe echoed, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    Before long, Lin Qi returned to the room clutching several bundles of cash. The newspaper boys had be somewhat impatient by now. Their undivided attention fixated entirely on Lin Qi''s hands, specifically on that thick stack of banknotes!


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, he casually picked up a few newspapers and unfolded the bundled bills tied with rubber bands, handing them out to different kids. "Count them first, and then I''ll do it again."


    This was his rule, and people willingly abided by it. This mutual counting method established an essential trust channel between Lin Qi and these traders.


    The children weren''t counting swiftly. When the first one finished counting a stack of ten-buck bills, he handed the money over to Lin Qi while stating the final number. Lin Qi counted again in front of him, then wrapped it in a newspaper and handed it to the child. This was his usual practice.


    Originally, ording to Lin Qi, the least conspicuous thing in the newspaper boys'' satchels was anything rted to newspapers, which would prevent them from drawing attention from certain individuals.


    This saying gained the approval of the newspaper boys. Since then, whenever the money exceeded fifty bucks, Lin Qi would wrap it in newspapers and hand it over to them. It had be a habit they adapted to.


    Counting one sum after another, Lin Qi wrapped each bundle in newspaper and secured it with a rubber band. After escorting the children out, he swiftly returned to the room and pulled out handfuls of cash from his pockets.


    He yed a little trick, withholding a significant portion of the money that should have been given to those children. This was actually a simple sleight of hand: while counting money, using the ring finger to lift a portion of the bills over the middle finger, then at the moment of finishing the count, retracting the middle finger and securing the bills in the palm, out of sight.


    At this point, the children, who had just finished counting the money ced on the newspaper by Lin Qi, had their attention fully focused on it. This allowed Lin Qi to effortlessly slip the hand holding the withheld money back into his pocket  where he needed to retrieve a rubber band.


    Then, both the newspaper boy and Lin Qi would watch the money being wrapped in the newspaper and secured with a rubber band. From Lin Qi''s action to the money disappearing from sight, it took less than two seconds.


    Coupled with these kids, being younger, not daring to offend Lin Qi, they wouldn''t suggest recounting. Hence, Lin Qi smoothly reimed the money.


    If they had the courage to resist, they wouldn''t merely be newspaper boys now.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 11:

    Chapter 11:


    With a smug smirk of victory, Michael strolled into the room. ncing at Lin Qi seated on the bed, he began chuckle audibly.


    He wasn''t sure why chuckle had suddenly erupted; perhaps it was a kind of showing off?


    Casually, he undid the buttons of his coat, revealing the wallet in his pocket with his identification, "Federal Tax Bureau. We''ve received a report of illegal transactions here. We need to conduct an inspection"


    This time, it was not just Michael and his partner who came, there were several other people. Under Michael''s signal, these people immediately started searching Lin Qi''s room.


    Seating himself beside Lin Qi, Michael stared at this young man who had briefly evoked fear in him. With an ambiguous smile, he remarked, "Thest time I sent a kid your age to prison, he arrogantly said it was merely a vacation for him."


    "He thought being locked up wasn''t scary at all. Do you know what happened to himter?" He warned Lin Qi with unsettling words.


    However, Michael abruptly stopped talking. He realized that the young man before him showed no signs of unease or fear after hearing these words.


    He remained asposed and calm as in the beginning, making Michael feel a sense of humiliation. It was as if he were a clown uttering words that could beughed at; he felt belittled once again.


    His expression souring, he decided to stay silent. When they found the evidence, this guy would definitely break down! He thought to himself.


    But, why hadn''t they found anything yet? Watching his subordinates resume searching from the doorway, Michael suddenly felt a tightening in his scalp. He realized something and shot a sidelong nce at Lin Qi before rushing into the inner room.


    The t wasn''t big, strictly speaking, only two rooms: a corridor connected to the bedroom and a bathroom with a closet.


    There wasn''t muchplexity in the bathroom: an open closet, an ironing board already put down by his men, a small storage box for misceneous tools, and a basket forundered clothes.


    Further in, a shower space and, finally, a toilet with a cart casually positioned in the middle of the dressing room.


    "Where''s the money?" He asked sharply. Earlier, all those kids imed Lin Qi had put the money in a box and moved it to the bathroom using the cart. But now, it seemed different.


    Two of his men awkwardly shook their heads. "Sorry, boss, we found nothing."


    "Where is the wooden box?" he asked, still with a final trace of effort. "Is the wooden box here?"


    One of them pointed to the wooden box on the ironing board, but it was empty. Nothing inside.


    Michael vigorously rubbed his face with both hands, and tugged at his hair in frustration. He paced back and forth with his hands on his waist, and then, in a somewhat frantic state, stormed over to the wooden box and forcefully mmed it onto the ground.


    The shattered box reminded him of Lin Qi''s seemingly mocking gaze. He lunged forward, grasping Lin Qi by the cor, lifting him, "Where''s the money? Where did you hide the five thousand bucks?"


    He roared, his inner rage causing his rationality to wane. Twice now, this kid had fooled him twice! No one had ever dared to treat him like this!


    Lin Qi''s face bore a faint smile as he calmly looked at Michael, "I have no idea what you''re talking about. I don''t even have five hundred on me. Clearly, your information is wrong."


    Wrong my *ss, he had personally seen those newsboys hand over the money. In such a short time, less than two minutes, Lin Qi hadn''t even left the room. Where could he have hidden the money?


    He wanted to punch Lin Qi''s face to make this punk understand how scary he was as a person, but he also knew if he really did it, he''d soon face an inquiry. Some things could be overlooked, but nting evidence through violence was not one of them. If that were exposed in the media, the entire judiciary in Sabin City would be humiliated.


    Eventually, he suppressed his anger, roughly pushing Lin Qi onto the bed, then began searching the room himself.


    Everything was in chaos. Even the cistern above the toilet had been taken down. In the end, they found nothing. It was as if the five thousand had vanished into thin air.


    No, as if it had never existed! Lin Qi remained calm, devoid of fear or anxiety, just watching Michael scurry around the fifty-square-meter room until he stoppedpletely.


    By now, Michael was well aware that this operation had failed, not just this time, but it would impact his n against Fox. He was in deep trouble!


    He pointed at Lin Qi, "Consider yourself lucky this time. But you better pray you''re always this lucky."


    "Just once, just once, if I catch you, I promise to lock you up for life. You won''t see daylight ever again!" He clenched his fists, turned, and stormed out, "What are you all waiting for? Go back and write a report!"


    Watching them leave, Lin Qi shook his head with a smile. They hadn''t searched him because theycked a warrant, and their target wasn''t petty cash on Lin Qi but the five thousand, enough for a direct conviction.


    Large cash transactions needed to be reported to the tax bureau, which they hadn''t done. No post hoc measures could remedy that. Even if they had searched him, it wouldn''t have mattered; it would''ve vited regtions. Michael often did things out of line, but there were also some lines he wouldn''t easily cross.


    After a few minutes, Lin Qi tidied up the room and locked the door. There''s a saying, "Once, twice, but not thrice."


    Michael had "offended" him twice. He couldn''t keep swallowing his pride. Now he had around seven or eight thousand bucks, not enough for the first phase of his n.


    The money-making venture had to continue, but at the same time, he also had to think about how to take revenge.


    In the little cell in his previous life, he encountered an interesting friend who told him that predators hunting for their prey wasn''t merely about filling their stomachs. Not resisting would allow others to take further advantage, so at times, it was necessary to state one''s position.


    Shortly after wandering outside for a while, he found a rtively secluded jewelry store and entered.


    The bell on the door jingled, and a person with magnifying sses behind the counter stood up with a smile, "Wee..."


    Lin Qi nodded with a smile, approaching the counter. "I''d like a simple gold ring for my girlfriend, and I want to engrave something inside. Can you do that?"Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 12:

    Chapter 12:


    "Any information about Michael''s family?"


    After strolling outside for a while and ensuring no one was tailing him, Lin Qi entered Mr. Fox''s office located on the basement floor.


    A hint of pity for the weak adorned his face, signifying the sorrow of individuals like Mr. Fox in this era.


    Though wealthy, perhaps not on par with big capitalists, they still outshone ordinary small merchants. Yet, they couldn''t even afford a decent office space.


    They couldn''t see the light; neither their business nor their wealth received legal protection. Instead, it attracted legal scrutiny. Hence, they could only operate in this damp, moldy underground space.


    The moldy corners and yellowing dcor almost amused Lin Qi; given such wealth and resources, he''d have soared long ago.


    He and Mr. Fox''s ''business'' were still in the honeymoon phase. Lin Qi, who could provide tens of thousands in change every day, had be Mr. Fox''s recent center of attention.


    At first, he thought Lin Qi couldn''t do it, but as time passed, Lin Qi''s speed increased. Now, he could provide change three to four times a day.


    While the frequency might have visibly decreased from over ten times on the first day, the quantity of change he provided had been steadily increasing. This tremendously aided Mr. Fox in quickly converting that money into bankable assets.


    Every day before leaving work, he proactively dered his ie, allowing tax officials to watch as they emptied the coins from every washing machine''s coin box, counting them, and then directly depositing the money into the bank.


    Large sums of money deposited into the bank required tax documentation to prove that this money was legitimate. Only then would the bank allow them to enter the system.


    This also meant that Mr. Fox''s moneyundering speed was increasing. In a matter of months, he might be able to rent a storefront in the most bustling area of Sabin City, working in a grand and opulent environment.


    This also kept their rtionship consistently good. Lin Qi made some money while ensuring Mr. Fox remained untroubled by certain issues. It was a very suitable business arrangement.


    Today, upon arrival, Lin Qi''s first inquiry was about Michael''s family. The other party repeatedly caused trouble for him, even punching him once. He couldn''t pretend that nothing had happened; he sought revenge.


    Mr. Fox frowned momentarily but soon eased, "You shouldn''t get into a conflict with him. You know he''s a ''licensed'' person, and he won''t be the one losing out in the end!"


    The ''licensed'' weren''t those with vehicle licenses but federal employees with enforcement powers. They posedplications, viewing each other as a collective. If someone wanted to go after one of them, they would often end up dealing with the whole group.


    There was an interesting incident where awyer, parked illegally, and received a ticket from a cop. Thewyer told his friends that not only would he not need to pay the fine, but he could also make the officer apologize. But his friends didn''t believe him.


    Soon enough, thewyer sued the local police department and, after intense courtroom debates, won the case. Just as he imed, not only did he not have to pay any fines, but the officer also publicly apologized in court and in front of the media.


    But was that the end of the story?


    Not quite.


    Though triumphant in court, thewyer''s life took a downturn, facing monitoring byw enforcement across seventeen states since the victory.


    On the highway, he was forcibly stopped a total of eleven times by different highway divisions and subjected to eleven instances of body searches on the scorching highway ground; they even stripped him naked and took pictures of him every time.


    But was that the end of it?


    No, even now, he still lived in fear. The police would frequently show up at his door for no apparent reason, citing bizarre excuses like someone hearing screams from his house, or iming that his residence was broken in...


    Every time he fixed the broken door, it wouldn''t be long before it was smashed in again. Soon after, a group of mobile police would rush into his house, lift him and his wife from the bed, and throw them into the yard...


    So, it was better not to sh with those who had ''licenses'' here. In case it infuriated the entire group, Lin Qi''s life ahead would be a nightmare, especially when the entity he intended to cause trouble to was the tax bureau.


    The tax bureau would scrutinize every transaction he made, encouraging those who trade with him to report him. As long as one usation was substantiated, they could make Lin Qi spend his life behind bars.


    However, Lin Qi just smiled, "I just want to send a gift over to help resolve the conflict. He shouldn''t see it as me trying to humiliate him, right?"


    Mr. Fox hesitated. He couldn''t tell if Lin Qi was being genuine or not, but regardless, he said what he needed to. Even if he didn''t tell Lin Qi, Lin Qi would get the information from elsewhere.


    Eventually, this would create a gap between them. So it was better to be direct about it here.


    Lin Qi earnestly recorded Michael''s information and then chatted with Mr. Fox about some other issues. If things went as expected, at the current pace, all of Mr. Fox''s money should be in the bank in about two to three months.


    This was a good thing, but Mr. Fox had a new problem. "Lin Qi, my friend, I know you''re a very clever young man. How do you suggest I legitimize my business?" Saying this, he couldn''t help chuckling helplessly, ''I''ve barely escaped these troubles and don''t want to easily get caught up again. Perhaps you have some ideas I haven''t thought of?''


    In essence, Mr. Fox''s operation involved lending money to those in need and charging interest. However, his interest rates exceeded the federal legal maximum by a considerable margin.


    Furthermore, some agreements involved illegalpound interest, making his business somewhat problematic. Even if he could recover the money, he couldn''t deposit it in the bank.


    If transactions were made through the bank, providing agreements and bank statements would directly incriminate Mr. Foxhe was demanding interest that exceeded federal regtions after all.


    He would face prosecution from the prosecutor''s office and investigation from the tax bureau. Moreover, the money he lent out would be unrecoverable. Thew wouldn''t recognize agreements as legally binding, and it wouldn''t support Mr. Fox in any legitimate means to im loans and interest.


    This was a problem faced by the majority in this industry. If they couldn''t resolve these issues, their money, even ifundered, would ultimately turn gray.


    Lin Qi didn''t reply; he just shrugged. He actually knew how to solve the problem but wouldn''t reveal it now.


    After chatting with Mr. Fox for a while, Lin Qi left contentedly. He wandered outside for a bit and then arrived at Michael''s residence in a high-endmunity in Sabin City.


    Michael''s house was in a nice area. He had a decent family.


    His wife was quite beautiful and appeared young. She seemed to be a full-time homemaker, spending her days around her husband and children, dedicating the rest of her time to watching TV and socializing within the homemakermunity.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 13:

    Chapter 13:


    While Lin Qi was observing Michael''s family, Michael was also summoned to his superior''s office.


    The office of the Sabin Federal Tax Bureau was not located in the same block as the Sabin City Hall''s offices. It seemed like they wanted to convey the message to the Federal Central Tax Bureau that they were not associating with local individuals.


    However, it could also be due to their different styles. Compared to the somewhat bleak appearance of the city hall and other offices, the decoration in the Federal Tax Bureau''s office was downright luxurious.


    This wasn''t surprising; everyone knew the Federal Tax Bureau was a very affluent institution. They not only used marble as flooring but also hung velvet nkets on the walls to showcase their prestige.


    Inside the office, arge semi-enclosed desk surrounded the director of the Sabin Federal Tax Bureau, a middle-aged man in his fifties.


    He had gray-white hair, a few forehead wrinkles, and crow''s feet, but overall, he seemed well-maintained. At least, he didn''t look much different from the forty-something workers.


    He was dressed impably, wearing a tie, and currently had a furrowed brow, while Michael, who was standing on the other side of the desk, felt somewhat uneasy about the atmosphere in the room.


    "I''m troubled, Mike!"  "Mike" was the abbreviated name used by Michael''s friends and even his boss in their daily interactions, making it seem more intimate and like one of their own.


    Michael scratched his head, showing none of his usual work-rted impatience. There was even a hint of confusion on his face. "I don''t understand, George."


    "No, you do understand!" sighed the director referred to as "George" by Michael. He nced at the two documents on the desk, "You do, Mike. Fox has hiswyer collecting evidence of your abuse of power, and..."


    He flipped through the report in front of him, "Some people have their opinions about your recent actions. I assumed you had a grasp on things before approving your actions, but clearly, I overestimated you." He took his eyes off the documents and looked at Michael. "What do you think I should do?"


    Michael seemed somewhat irritated at this point. "It''s all because of that punk, Lin Qi. He managed to evade our searches three times using some unknown methods. But I can assure you, George, that guy is definitely up to something."


    "I saw the paperboys deliver five thousand bucks into the room. They left the money there, but when I went in, there was nothing. He''s a cunning guy and is prepared!" Michael asserted.


    George raised a hand to halt Michael and pointed at him, "You''re absolutely right. He''s smart and prepared. You couldn''t catch him off guard before, and now that he''s prepared, it''ll be even harder to catch him!"


    This statement immediately calmed Michael, who was still angry and felt humiliated. He cautiously looked at the director behind the desk, "What do you mean?"


    "No particr meaning..." George, the director, spread his hands and leaned back in his chair. "Your several failed operations have caused some serious issues. Fox''s people n to go after you. It''s best you cool off for a while."


    Sharp-witted, Michael immediately realized what was going on. His voice suddenly became louder, "You want me suspended?"


    "Suspended?" George, the director, chuckled, "No, no, no, you misunderstand. There''s a big operation in Kund City(). They are short-handed and have requested support from our end..." George shrugged, "You know our rtionship with them has always been good, so I couldn''t refuse this request. You and your team are to go to Kund City immediately to assist them. Once back, then go after this Lin Qi. Understand?"


    "But during this time, the situation might change. Let others go; I''ll stay back. If we miss this opportunity, it''ll be difficult to catch Lin Qi and Fox. We all know they''ve found a mature way to evade our investigations. I" Michael didn''t finish his words when George''s smile gradually faded. He looked at Michael, "This isn''t a request; it''s an order. Understand?"


    The two locked eyes for a moment. Michael realized he couldn''t change this decision and angrily said, "You''ll regret your decision today!"


    "I''ll only regret not giving you something to do sooner!" George, the director, retorted without hesitation.


    Watching Michael leave the office, George, the director, sighed. Michael had risen to the position of the investigation team leader, but he had always wanted to transfer to the detective or special agent units.


    The problem was that he was now in management, the head of the investigation team. He couldn''t start from the bottom as a regr detective or special agent. His starting point would be administrative positions like deputy team leader.


    That led to another problem: with no vacancies avable, he couldn''t be promoted. He knew this, which was why he had always kept a low profile.


    Recently, rumors emerged that someone within the bureau was due for promotion. Immediately, he immediately became interested and proactively applied to investigate Fox''s case.


    For the Federal Tax Bureau, 99.99% of the country''s poption was suspected of various tax crimes.


    The role of the Federal Tax Bureau was not to eradicate tax crimesthat was an impossible task. If a passerby gave a buck to a beggar, would the beggar go to an ountant to file taxes?


    Therefore, the primary job of the Federal Tax Bureau was to investigate the wealthy taxpayers, ensuring the main taxpaying groups didn''t engage in severe tax evasion. As for regr folks... unless necessary, nobody would actively investigate them.


    The influence from the North Pacific''s Six-Eyed Flying Fish() had affected Michael. Now, he wanted to achieve some notable sess, aiming for a promotion when there was an opening.


    What he did wasn''t excessive; there had been more extreme incidents within the federation, but each time, they managed to obtain enough conclusive evidence, not failing three times like him.


    This would be a joke within the system, and he needed to calm down!


    Fox wasn''t a concern at all. Hiswyer gathering evidence against Michael was merely a show of attitude. For someone of Fox''s level, if the tax bureau constantly targeted him, and he didn''t react, it wouldn''t take long for someone to topple his reign.


    When Michael went to Kund for the operation over there, this matter would quiet down.


    As for Lin Qi... he was just an insignificant person. George, the director, was very aware of this fact. Michael''s three failures had made him aughingstock. His current actions seriously vited regtions, and it was time to calm him down.


    Michael, with a troubled expression, came out from the director''s office. His partner stood at the door, about to ask, "What happened?" but before he could, Michael raised his hand and cursed in frustration.


    "The boss wants us to report to Kund City tomorrow to assist them in their operation, fuck. He doesn''t believe that I can catch Lin Qi!"


    His partner smiled, choosing not to say anything and followed behind him. This was actually a good thing.


    With a heart full of anger, Michael chose to go home and pack his things  a silent form of resistance.


    After a short drive, he returned to his residentialmunity. As he contemted how to exin his sudden business trip to his wife, a surge of anger mixed with fear rushed over him. He abruptly turned the steering wheel, nearly hitting someone on the sidewalk!


    Some pedestrians screamed; some rushed over to check for injuries. It was too close to having an ident.


    Fuming, Michael stormed out of the driver''s seat, mmed the car door shut, and walked up to the person he almost hit. He grabbed his cor and asked loudly, "What are you doing here?"


    Lin Qi maintained his smile, just as in every confrontation they''d had before  calm,posed, and with a smile. "Your wife is young and beautiful..."


    As Michael raised his fist, Lin Qi remained calm and said, "You can hit me, but you''ll have to bear the consequences. You''ve investigated me; a poor kid, nothing to lose, not even my life worth much."


    "We can make a bet. I believe you''ll experience pain far more unforgettable than a punch. Pain that will seep into your heart. Do you believe me?"


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 14:

    Chapter 14:


    Chapter 14


    "That''s right. We''re civilized people." Lin Qi took a step back and adjusted his cor. "Is there anything else? If not, I''ll be leaving; I have plenty of things to do!"


    Michael couldn''t help but step forward again, roaring in a low voice, "This is between us; don''t involve my family. You''re breaking the rules!"


    "Rules?" Lin Qi appeared puzzled. "I''m not associated with your profession, haven''t had any dealings with you. Are you sure the rules you mention are suitable for me?"


    He chuckled, "Of course, I am aw-abiding citizen. I don''t need your reminders. If you have nothing else to say, I''ll be leaving."


    He nced at Michael; the two locked eyes for about three to five seconds. Michael made way, and Lin Qi nodded slightly in acknowledgment as he brushed past him.


    Watching Lin Qi leave, Michael disyed his badge hidden in his attire and then parked the car in the driveway spot at his doorstep.


    He hurried back home, finding his wife engrossed in the afternoon soap opera. He quickly approached her, giving his somewhat surprised wife a hug. "Nothing unusual happened just now, right?"


    "I mean, no one knocked on the door, or anyone tried to break into our yard?" He added.


    One of the reasons why so many people aimed to join the Federal Tax Bureau was to find a good partner. They possessed the highest sries, best benefits, excellent work environment, and various unexpected perks within the government system.


    This made every employee of the Federal Tax Bureau a highly sought-after match in the marriage market. Regardless of gender, they could find an ideal partner easily.


    Most men would opt for younger women, a difference of three to five, or even ten years wasn''t umon.


    Michael''s wife was six years younger, and he cherished her deeply.


    "No, no one came. I''ve been sitting here watching TV all afternoon. I would have noticed if someone hade."


    The living room directly faced the entrance. If someone knocked or entered the yard, they could easily be spotted through the bright windows on the walls. The afternoon was so calm that it nearly put her to sleep.


    Michael sat on the couch, embracing his wife''s shoulders, unsure how to bring up his uing trip or caution her about the potential reappearance of Lin Qi.


    Meanwhile, after wandering outside for a while and purchasing some electrical supplies, Lin Qi returned to his temporary residence. As he took out his keys to unlock the door, someone who had approached from behind suddenly pressed something sharp against his waist.


    A voice, reeking of bad breath, sounded in his ear, "Where''s my money?"


    Lin Qi''s actions paused momentarily, then he proceeded to open the door, stepping one leg inside while saying, "If you don''t want things to escte, it''s better youe inside with me. We can solve whatever issue you have throughmunication."


    In this less-than-five-second exchange, Lin Qi had already identified the person behind him. Thanks to the umtion of his experiences in the past, this energetic body, in its twenties, at its peak, gave him a sense of exhration he hadn''t experienced before, a feeling of having everything under his control.


    The person outside hesitated but eventually followed inside. Two thousand bucks wasn''t a small sum to him, and he was surprised Lin Qi, this young man, wasn''t afraid of the knife in his hand.


    The room was small, a bedroom connected directly to the entrance, and another room for washing up, but with a faint... smell of excrement. The News Head raised an eyebrow, expecting better cleanliness.


    That evening, Lin Qi had spent a long time washing off the feces that had seeped into his pants. Despite multiple washes and air fresheners, the lingering odor persisted.


    "It''s your business with Michael, not mine. Give me my money back!" The News Head gestured with the knife, restating his purpose of visit.


    After the newsboys returned, he collected the bundles of newspapers from them, only to find around two thousand bucks. It was short by nearly two thousand six or seven hundred. This amount of money was not insignificant; considering his earnings from selling newspapers, it could possibly amount to several months'' ie for him.


    He wouldn''t let this money disappear so easily. He went to find Michael, but Michael said he had nothing to do with the matter. Now, he could only approach Lin Qi; perhaps this young man would be more easy to talk to.


    "I only want my money back. Do you understand? Whatever happened to you has nothing to do with me!" He added.


    Lin Qi tidied up a bit and sat on the bed, crossing his legs and resting his hands on his knees. He could tell the News Head was nervous, stumbling in his speech, constantly emphasizing the knife in his hand, but Lin Qi didn''t find him particrly intimidating.


    The News Head''s gaze wandered, eyshes quivering slightly. Most of the time, his eyes fixated on the ground between them, revealing his fear. It was his first time doing something like this, holding a knife, standing on someone else''s territory, demanding something.


    Lin Qi saw through his external bravado, smiling as he said, "Do you know, even if I were to kill you now, a judge wouldn''t sentence me because you, armed, broke into my t."


    The News Head abruptly raised his head, looking back at the door. A thought shed in his mind: Lin Qi had invited him in not to avoid being seen by others but to set him up.


    He became more agitated and fearful because he realized he had transformed from the hunter into the hunted. His breathing became rapid, almost suffocating.


    He took a few steps back, brandishing the knife fiercely, wanting to intimidate Lin Qi, maybe sh his clothes, yet fearing Lin Qi might have something up his sleeve. He was momentarily at a loss.


    Seeing the News Head stuck in a state of hesitation, Lin Qi pointed to a nearby chair, "Why don''t you sit down, and let''s have a civilized conversation? Violence won''t solve anything!"


    He spoke earnestly. Perhaps it was this sincerity that touched the News Head or maybe Lin Qi''s calm demeanor that influenced him. After a brief consideration, the News Head agreed and sat on the chair.


    Once he settled, Lin Qi asked, "In fact, my loss is much greater than yours; I lost five thousand!"


    The statement shocked the News Head, revealing a mix of surprise and a sense of realization.


    "Have you ever considered this might be a setup?" Before the News Head could react, Lin Qi continued, "I split five thousand among five kids. They counted it, and I counted it in front of them. There was no problem with the money when it was still here."


    "After they left my room, did theye straight to you or go somewhere else?"


    "If they came directly to you, have you considered whether these newsboys are reliable?"


    "If they went elsewhere, could there have been others involved apart from you and me?"


    Lin Qi shrugged, looking regretful, "Michael told others he didn''t get anything from me, but I did lose five thousand. I believe that money is with him!"


    These words quickly started spinning in the uneducated News Head''s mind. To avoid exposing himself and being dragged into this mess, he indeed wasn''t around at that time; he was waiting in a more distant alley.


    The newspaper boys, after receiving the money, didn''te straight back to him. Instead, they went to a room across the street to meet Michael, a gap of about one or two minutes.


    If something went wrong with that money... it could only be attributed to Michael.


    At this point, he started to believe it to some extent. The newsboys he sent could be considered the ones he trusted more. Additionally, they had told him about counting the money, and Lin Qi also counted the money, then watched as the money was packaged up as it had been before.


    As he began recollecting, Lin Qi added, "We''re all afraid of certain people, not daring to speak up. I believe it''s not just us who fear telling the truth; those kids might also be afraid."Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 15:

    Chapter 15:


    Chapter 15


    The News Head returned to his dwelling, a sizable ce, with suspicions lingering in his mind. This was originally an abandoned factory that he bought at a low price and transformed into his own base.


    There was a courtyard, a two-story building where he lived, and a four-story building where the newsboys resided. Additionally, there was a warehouse storing unsold newspapers and recyble trash collected by the newsboys from the streets.


    Yes, the newsboys appeared in the streets in the mornings and evenings to sell papers. But where did they go during other times?


    People like the News Head were essentially bottom-level businessmen who obtained profits through exploitation. They wouldn''t waste a single moment of these newsboys. So, during other times, they scavenged for garbage on the streets.


    Rumors even circted in somemunities about child thieves breaking into homes. In short, there was no moment of peace for them except for the girls and their resting time at night.


    In the warehouse, The News Head saw the five newsboys, who looked distressed. Fear and anguish were evident on their faces. Losing over two thousand bucks had terrified these kids, yet they didn''t know where the issue had arisen.


    Seeing the News Head return without a smile on his face made them realize that his trip hadn''t yielded the expected oue. This was terrifying because it meant they might continue to face beatings.


    The youngest one had already lost control of his dder. Now, he lost control again, with some urine trickling down his thighs. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, these children had reached their limits.


    The News Head, with a dark expression, looked at these kids. There was no trace of the timidity seen when facing Michael or the inexplicable fear while with Lin Qi. His face only showed the ruthlessness of a ruler and a hint of malice.


    "Tell me, after leaving that house, who else did you meet and what happened? This is rted to your future, so think carefully before answering!" He held a whip, making the children shudder.


    The children exchanged nces, and the oldest among them seemed to sense something from the News Head''s words. Immediately, he said, "We went to see Mr. Michael..."


    In their description, to show respect, they had left their bag on the hook beside the room''s door before meeting Mr. Michael.


    If the money was indeed missing, it was most likely at that time that the money went missing. For these kids, it didn''t matter who had taken the money; what mattered was to deal with the impending dreadful situation by turning on one another.


    Once one started speaking, the rest followed suit. In an instant, suspicions against Michael escted.


    This aligned with the News Head''s inherent "needs." He didn''t believe that Lin Qi, that young man, could have taken his money. The money had been counted twice by several pairs of eyes; it couldn''t have gone missing. He refused to believe that Lin Qi was capable of it. If he did, it would mean admitting inferioritypared to Lin Qi, which was uneptable to someone like the News Head. They could be inferior to people like Michael, but they wouldn''t ept being worse than a poor man like Lin Qi.


    His conversation with Lin Qi further cemented this notion. Asking Lin Qi for the money was, to arge extent, seeking a sense of "shared victimization," which made him feel less isted.


    Now, suspicions against Michael were undoubtedly the strongest, something he both wanted and didn''t want to see. He wasn''t sure why he felt this way.


    He let go of one child and instructed that child to let the others go. If it truly was Michael and he didn''t want to admit it... he truly had no solution.


    But this wasn''t just a small amount of money. He couldn''t pretend he knew nothing about it and carry on as if nothing had happened.


    He sent the children to buy some food, fetched a bottle of wine, and sat in the courtyard, eating ham slices bought from a deli, contemting how to retrieve his money.


    The rtionship between the News Head and Michael couldn''t be defined as mere hostility; it was pure hatred. But Michael had the upper hand, and the News Head was unable to resist; he was dominated.


    This made him more eager to escape his current predicament. Sometimes, when privately meeting Michael, he felt an urge to recklessly attack him, to make him understand the pain he had endured all these years.


    Inebriated and burdened by inner turmoil, he staggered into the children''s dormitory with a whip. Soon, cries, pleas for mercy, and the News Head''s roars echoed from the children''s dormitory.


    The next day, before Lin Qi could step out, the News Head came knocking.


    "Lin Qi, my friend, this time, I just want to talk!" Standing outside, the News Head looked at Lin Qi inside. For some unknown reason, he felt a tinge of fear. He didn''t want to enter the room and suggested, "Shall we go for a walk nearby?"


    Lin Qi hesitated for a moment but agreed. He thought the News Head might concede and end the matter here. However, it seemed the News Head wasn''t willing to let go of the money.


    In that instant, Lin Qi''s mind conceived a new n.


    He changed clothes, took his keys and wallet, and left the room. They strolled aimlessly towards the city center.


    "Listen, I''ve suffered a huge loss, and so have you. Do you think we can just let it go?"


    After walking for two or three minutes, the News Head spoke first. He looked at Lin Qi, "This isn''t a small sum. We need to recover it!"


    Lin Qi nodded subtly, "You''re right. My money can''t just disappear without exnation. But how do we get it back?"


    "If we approach Michael, he won''t admit it, and we might end up losing more. But if we don''t approach him, can we approach his family?"


    "This isn''t proper. We must follow his rules," Lin Qi paused and added, "I heard his wife is young and beautiful, and his child is also adorable."


    He subtly guided the News Head. If the News Head could execute what he wanted, it would save a lot of trouble and keep him out of it.


    Immediately, Lin Qi noticed the News Head''s expression changing, including his gaze. It was the result of his hint.


    They weren''t Michael''s match, but Michael''s family didn''t hold the same power as Michael did, making it easier to deal with them.


    The News Head''s expression twisted as he remembered the numerous times Michael had brutally beaten him and subjected him to humiliation.


    His dignity, self-respect, and character had been crushed by Michael''s relentless cruelty. This was why he was increasingly bing tyrannical now. He desperately wanted to regain what was lost from these perhaps innocent children using the same methods.


    His breathing became rapid, his gaze terrifying. Lin Qi stood silently beside him, adding fuel to the fire.


    "To think a scum like Michael actually has a decent job, a young and beautiful wife, and an adorable child. God is really unfair!"


    "Why can he ruthlessly plunder everything from us while we silently endure it?"Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 16:

    Chapter 16:


    The casual conversation between the News Head and Lin Qi didn''tst long before it ended. Lin Qi had instilled many intriguing ideas in him, making him restless.


    He felt that Lin Qi''s words were spot on. Nothing was more important than dignity. Once a person bends, they may never stand straight again. That was him. He wanted to regain his dignity!


    Watching the News Head walking away, with a certain determination emanating from his departing figure, Lin Qi expressed his hope that he could sessfully aplish his own ideas.


    In the afternoon, taking advantage of some leisure time, he registered a service-typepany named ''Great Empire()'' at the Social Services Bureau() in Sabin City, with its primary business epassing the vast majority of the selections in the form.


    In reality, the Social Services Bureau wasn''t concerned about what businesses the registeredpanies would undertake. The process of making such a choice was solely to establish a search function.


    When somepanies needed to coborate with others, they would ess certain records from the Social Services Bureau through mary means. If apany had a single scope of operation, it was considered the "primary business." However, if it had multiple lines of business, the majority of those businesses was considered a "secondary business."


    Everypany, when coborating with otherpanies, hopes that their partners are professional. That''s also why manypanies only register one line of business.


    Registering this information cost Lin Qi a hundred bucks. City halls everywhere encouraged entrepreneurship and provided various benefits to entrepreneurs.


    Entrepreneurship increased job opportunities in society, easing tensions between the unemployed and society itself. Particrly in terms of taxation, newly establishedpanies, as long as they followed the rules and hired enough employees, could enjoy tax reductions or even exemptions.


    For aprehensive servicepany like the one Lin Qi registered, with a pitifully low registered capital of only a hundred bucks, as long as he could employ three staff members, he could apply for tax exemption policies.


    The city hall, including the federal tax bureau, never expected such smallpanies to be the lifeblood of the city''s finances. By granting these smallpanies tax breaks, it wouldn''t affect the progress of city development projects this year. It also preemptively reduced potential troublemakers among the unemployed.


    After registering, Lin Qi didn''t immediately hire workers and start operations. Instead, he approached a printing shop and printed some small cards. These cards outlined Lin Qi''s main service offerings, such as currency exchange, which was the most crucial. He then bought an ounting book and a guide on standardized tax reporting.


    After an afternoon of diligent study and research, he almost grasped the content and realized that even things that seemed very outdated couldn''t be learned easily.


    He envied those who didn''t need to read books, relying solely on vague concepts, capable not only of creating seamless ount books but also identifying errors in others'' books.


    This made him realize he needed a professional ountant.


    In fact, if it weren''t for Michael finding him so quickly, he might not have established thepany so soon.


    In the previous world, during lunch and asional yard times, he had conversations with some big shots. In that dull ce, everyone had untold stories, but most people weren''t interested in others'' stories.


    On one hand, the incarcerated individuals had mostly simr situations. They might not find others'' stories more fascinating than their own, nor did they have the impulse to explore others'' pasts.


    On the other hand, the guards could directly ess the files, which were more objective, fair, and closer to the truth. They also didn''t directly interact with the incarcerated individuals.


    Lin Qi was different. As soon as he entered, he was like a sea avidly absorbing knowledge, brimming with an insatiable desire for learning. Those who had been imprisoned for a long time or would be for a long time were eager to share their stories, seeking their most glorious selves.


    From these experiences they shared, he learned one thing: Try not to let his tracks appear too obviously in the government''s sight.


    In other words, it was better to wait until the fruits fell from the branches after they were fully ripe, then enter the orchard to pick up the fruits, and leave. If tending to the fruits like a farmer until they ripen, all his actions, background, and experiences would be meticulously recorded as they were in certain records.


    And then, if one day someone needed something to use against him, they could simply flip through these files, making him feel the horror of being exposed.


    Of course, if he couldn''t manage this, his game difficulty would increase exponentially. Therefore, he had to make every move wless!


    It must be said that it was indeed a ce filled with high-caliber talent, people from all walks of life, all kinds of individuals. This had greatly benefited Lin Qi; he had learned so much, far beyond what he had ever imagined he could learn.


    And the first step he learned was obeying thew!


    Sabin City had two ces simr to talent exchange markets. One was the Employment Center() of Sabin City''s Social Services Bureau, where some business owners and citizens looking for work gathered.


    The other ce, unofficially established, was a recruitment spot formed through spontaneous actions. Next to the second fountain in the central park of Sabin City, there were many recruitment notices posted on the vegetation wall.


    Of course, somemunity intermediaries would introduce job opportunities to people within themunity. However, their role wasn''t prominent. Companies offering jobs didn''t want to pay extra fees to intermediaries, and applicants also didn''t want to pay intermediary fees. This made the intermediaries struggle; everyone wanted them to work for free, resulting in slow updates of information.


    Lin Qi went to the first ce, the Employment Center of Sabin City''s Social Services Bureau. He needed to recruit three employees with "special" capabilities.


    Exploitation from the perspective of capital was never negative, ugly, or synonymous with evil. You see, even in today''s society, sometimes well-connected business friends still gather and discuss how to exploit their employees.


    Only those who were exploited would consider these acts ugly and evil. As for why... everyone knew.


    Lin Qi needed to find simr individuals: outstanding salespersons.


    After paying fifteen bucks, he obtained a window  essentially, a long table with two simple wooden boards as partitions. On both sides were peers, and the entire hall was quite noisy.


    His recruitment notice was already posted on the bulletin board. Anyone interested could find him using the number and have a chat with him, and then he would decide whether they would be hired.


    After waiting for about fifteen minutes, a young man in an old shirt and suit, wearing a cheap new tie, sat across from Lin Qi.


    The young man seemed to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, and Lin Qi''s youth surprised him. He even stood up after sitting down, raised his head again, then sat back down after confirming the right ce.


    "You''re not the first one. Shall we get started?" Lin Qi prompted, and the young man immediately opened a heavily worn-out briefcase he carried and handed over a stack of documents.


    Lin Qi nced through them. They were certificates from some training schools and some awards he received in his childhood.


    He casually tossed the resume aside, crossing his fingers on the edge of the table. "Mr. Richard(), mypany doesn''t need these unconvincing things. I require ability. Do you understand?"


    The young man addressed as Richard nervously nodded. "Yes, sir."


    Lin Qi asked again, "Do you know what mypany does?"


    Richard nodded again, "Yes, sir. I saw it on the poster; it said salesperson, and for every sessful deal, I''d get amission of two to three percent, no base sry..."


    He seemed nervous. This was his fifth job search. His previous jobs hadn''tsted for a year; mostly, they ended in two or three months, the shortest being less than a month.


    The pressure of life and the little motivation he had left couldn''t sustain him for long. If he failed even at this job, he mightply with his father''s request and enter a factory after short-term training.


    He didn''t want to deal with dangerous machines his whole life. Here, he had set his eyes on the recruitment poster of the Great Empire Service Company().


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 17:

    Chapter 17:


    After performing several Century Marvel Magic tricks that could turn ny-seven cents into a buck, three young people smoothly joined the construction of the Great Empire in an afternoon.


    They were about to embark on their promising careers, but the reason they were chosen wasn''t their eloquence; it was their substantial financial backing.


    In other words, they had enough readily avable money. They would use their own funds to help Lin Qi make money, earn even more, and also thank Lin Qi for leading them to fortune.


    In a way, what Lin Qi was currently engaged incked any "risk resistance." The risk here referred to the possibility of imitation.


    Under the premise of non-technical monopoly, businesses with low technical difficulty always faced the risk of being imitated. This was the ceiling that low technical difficulty and low-cost transactions found hard to transcend because everyone could do them.


    Turningrger bills into change, then converting them back intorger bills from those in need seemed like something anyone could do as long as they had a certain amount of change. And indeed, many could.


    However, within this seemingly simple processy some small issuesthe true core of this businessnamely, trust issues.


    Some people alwaysined about the unfairness of society. They sold the same services, so why could some be so busy that customers had to queue while others, right beside them, had no customers at all?


    The simple reason was trust!


    Without trust, it was like two isted inds with no connection between them. But with trust, it was like having a bridge. As long as the bridge wasn''t destroyed, the connection between the two inds would remain tight.


    Lin Qi couldn''t prevent others from engaging in the same business, but he had his advantages.


    With Richard and two others, each harboring their own secrets but full of confidence, Lin Qi returned to the office. It was a warehouse that Lin Qi temporarily rented. He had hired two carpenters to build a simple office inside the warehouse and divided the warehouse into two parts.


    They would work in this warehouse office located just outside the central urban area. Fortunately, the convenience of city transportation and the nature of their work meant they didn''t need toe in every day. Hence, they wouldn''tin about the office being far from the city center.


    Lin Qi''s task for them was simple: after they exchanged enough change, they coulde to the office to exchange it with him, and then they could go out to collect change again.


    This warehouse office was like a beehive, Lin Qi being the queen bee, while these employees were diligent worker bees.


    After assigning the tasks to the three, Lin Qi left. He needed to discuss uing business matters with Mr. Fox.


    About half an hourter, Lin Qi met Mr. Fox again in the basement. Coincidentally, Mr. Fox was about to send someone to find Lin Qi.


    "You''vee at the right time..." He tossed a cigarette to Lin Qi and walked from behind the desk to sit next to Lin Qi on the sofa.


    Benefiting from Lin Qi''s help in solving many significant troubles, seeing moneying into the bank from various shadowy corners made him feel an unprecedented joy.


    For the first time, the figures on his bank passbook made him so content that he even applied for a cash check of five thousand bucks, which he could openly use for expenses outside.


    This feeling made him ecstatic, making him realize even more the importance of depositing money in the bank. For this reason, he wanted to do Lin Qi a small favor, which was what he was about to discuss with Lin Qi.


    He took the initiative to pull out a lighter and lit a fire for Lin Qi. This action drew strange looks from the burly men around. Mr. Fox rarely did such things; he was a proud man!


    "...Michael won''t trouble you again!" He said this very confidently, looking at Lin Qi, expecting to see a surprised, shocked, or delighted expression on Lin Qi''s face. However, he found Lin Qi seemingly calm, maintaining eye contact steadily.


    He chuckled suddenly. "I knew you wouldn''t be surprised. This kind of precognition itself is already very strange..." He paused. "Never mind that. Michael left Sabin City today and won''t be back for at least ten days."


    "And when he returns, he won''t trouble you much. I''ve warned him!" Saying this, he raised his head in a rather impressive manner.


    Only then did Lin Qi realize the reason for Michael''s abrupt return home yesterday. He found this rather intriguing. "How did you manage that?"


    This question precisely piqued Mr. Fox''s interest. He liked to show off his intelligence, not very prominent, in front of someone as clever as Lin Qi. "I got awyer. If they don''t want trouble, they should know what to do."


    Suddenly, Lin Qi woke up to the biggest difference between this world and another: the role ofwyers.


    In this world,wyers'' importance was magnified to the extreme; in some aspects, they were even more useful than judgessome judges weren''t interested in deals, but allwyers were interested in money.


    He silently noted these things; perhaps, he also needed awyer friend.


    "Thank you very much for everything, Mr. Fox." This statement wasn''t mere formality. Mr. Fox''s use of awyer indicated his stance. This was actually a proactive gesture, and Lin Qi had to acknowledge it.


    Mr. Fox graciously waved his hand. Lin Qi continued, "The tax bureau has been keeping an eye on me, so I slightly changed our business approach..."


    He then talked about his newly establishedpany, introducing a new method of transactions. Essentially, it was about making everything transparent, leaving the tax bureau no way to interfere further.


    Mr. Fox only needed his subordinates to exchange some money, then, under the pretext ofundry, take this money to theundromat. The entire process would bepleted.


    Even if tax bureau officials followed these individuals throughout, it wouldn''t matter. The number of times a piece of clothing was washed, how it was washed, and how much money was spent all belonged to personal will. It was others'' business, and nobody could interfere.


    However, Mr. Fox needed some reliable people to carry out these tasks, and doing so had the advantage of being faster with fewer downsides.


    After discussing these business matters, Lin Qi suddenly asked with a question, "Mr. Fox, do you know about light bathing?"


    Lin Qi suddenly changing the topic left Mr. Fox a bit puzzled. After a few seconds, he came back to his senses and nodded. "Of course, I do. Is there something wrong with your health?"


    In recent years, light bathing had started to inexplicably gain poprity. It was mainly divided into infrared light bathing and ultraviolet light bathing. It had be a very trendy phenomenon in the middle and upper ss of society.


    Many celebrities and social elites were enthusiastic about various light baths. Driven by the celebrity effect, more and more people were joining this somewhat ludicrous fashion movement in Lin Qi''s eyes.


    Many magazines and newspapers had covers featuring young men and women wearing sunsses, wearing funny diving caps, and half-naked bathing in various lights.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 18:

    Chapter 18:


    Holding an address and a business card acquired from Mr. Fox, Lin Qi found the "Space Light Bathing()" shop mentioned by Mr. Fox, a small establishment.


    Contrary to Lin Qi''s expectations, the ce seemed devoid of many people, especially at the entrance where there was no queue, deviating from the trendy norm.


    Upon entering, a bored young girl at the front desk greeted him, "Sir, how may I assist you?"


    Appearing around twenty, the girl had freckles near her nose, exuding a youthful vibe that feltforting.


    Lin Qi''s gaze shifted from the girl to a corridor behind her, lined with doors leading to light bathing rooms at intervals.


    Since an institution imed that light bathing effectively eradicated lice and alleviated mild skin conditions, many indulged in nude light bathing.


    It was hard to say if it was effective, but it was evidently satisfying for some individuals who felt the urge to bare it all in semi-public settings, releasing their stress. This had made some activities that could have involved many people in light bathing awkward.


    Eventually, most light bathing establishments shifted from semi-open spaces to semi-enclosed private rooms, to protect the privacy of certain individuals and spare the difort of others'' eyes.


    Before the girl could say more, a door opened in the corridor, and a boldly exposed girl with sunsses strolled out, unabashedly unting her body.


    Her sunsses resembled aviator goggles, covering most of her face, leaving only her nose and mouth visible. Combined with a diving cap that concealed her hair, identifying her true identity through the thick disguise was nearly impossible.


    This was the reason why these people dared to undress in public. They didn''t worry at all about being recognized by anyone.


    The front desk girl apologized while escorting the unruly woman back to her room, warning her that any more misconduct would cancel her subsequent appointments, calming her down slightly.


    "Very sorry for the inconvenience...," the girl returned to the counter, apologizing to Lin Qi.


    "No worries. Thatdy had a great figure. I felt like I got lucky," thisment made the girl blush, leaving her unsure how to respond to Lin Qi.


    Call him a bad person, but he was honest;beling him as a good person yet he didn''t conceal the unsavory things in his heart.


    The girl stood speechless momentarily, unsure how to express her current feelings, while Lin Qi chuckled, "Could you contact your boss for me? Mention that Mr. Fox referred me; I''d like to meet with him."


    The girl sighed with relief, dyed a moment, then picked up the phone. After about thirty seconds, she gestured toward a nearby side door, "The boss is waiting at the back; you can go over there."


    After thanking the girl, Lin Qi entered an office through the side door, where a balding man in his thirties, Tobyin(), greeted him warmly.


    Starting this light bathing shop with little money, Tobyin borrowed from Mr. Fox initially. But he quickly repaid the debt as the business flourished.


    This was a very ordinary, clumsy, yet interesting small merchant. He always felt indebted to Mr. Fox and had been wanting to repay this favor. So, when Lin Qi mentioned the light bathing shop, Mr. Fox immediately thought of Mr. Tobyin.


    "Mr. Fox is very important to me. He provided me with a lot of help when I was starting my business. You are his friend, so naturally, you are my friend as well..." After shaking hands with Lin Qi, he didn''t let go but warmly pulled him to sit on the sofa. "How can I be of service?"


    His earnest demeanor seemed genuine; society could breed bad people but also foster numerous good ones.


    "Mr. Tobyin, I need a set of ultraviolet light bath equipment. I''m wondering if you have any extras avable?"


    This query momentarily puzzled Tobyin. With a slight change in expression, he hesitantly asked, "Sorry, perhaps I shouldn''t pry, but could you let me know what you need the ultraviolet light bath equipment for?" He continued with an apologetic tone, "You don''t have to answer if you prefer not to. I''m just a little curious."


    Lin Qi shrugged. Even good people had their moments, especially when it involved their core interests. He didn''t want to create unnecessary enemies, although he wasn''t afraid; it would still be troublesome, wouldn''t it?


    Hence, he exined, "I heard that there are many dreadful bacteria in the water we''re using, and exposing it to ultraviolet light for a while can effectively kill these bacteria..."


    Tobyin paused briefly, then chuckled, epting this exnation. Indeed, some advanced cities'' water treatment nts used UV light for disinfection, though the actual effectiveness remained uncertain.


    Lin Qi provided a reasonable exnation, as long as he wasn''t nning to open apeting light bathing shop; Tobyin didn''t mind what the other party wanted the UVmps for.


    "No problem, give me an address, and I''ll arrange for someone to deliver it to you..." Tobyin was generous, not even discussing payment for the transaction.


    Eventually, Lin Qi had to bring it up. After a few refusals, he paid three hundred and fifty bucks for a separatemp stand.


    Later, Lin Qi and the workers sent by Tobyin returned to the warehouse. At Lin Qi''s request, they set up the UV light bathingmp before leaving.


    Once alone, Lin Qi visited a nearby small restaurant, returned to the warehouse, locked the door, and relieved himself under the UV light...


    The next morning around nine, the excited Richard entered the office carrying an old backpack. His face slightly flushed, and the backpack made metallic nging sounds as he removed it from his back.


    "This is what I collected yesterday..." he reported a figure, looking expectantly at Lin Qi.


    Honestly, this job might not have been entirely legal,cking even a formal employment contract between him and Lin Qi.


    But Richard didn''t care; as long as he earned money, who cared about legality? What good was abiding by thew without money?


    "Just tell me how much you''re supposed to take..." Lin Qi opened a drawer, withdrew a wad of twenty-buck bills, and held it in his hand, causing Richard to breathe quickly.


    "You need to give me twelve hundred bucks, boss!"


    Each set of ten bills was neatly bundled together as Richard''s unwavering gaze remained fixed on Lin Qi''s hands. Under his breath, he counted, tallying these bills that would soon be his!


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 19:

    Chapter 19:


    The Baylor Federal Tax Bureau was the first authority to use photosensitive materials for investigative work, which was surprising but true.


    Since the invention of the mercurymp, some photosensitive materials and their functions have primarily been used in the printing and dyeing industries. The Federal Tax Bureau and the Federal Mint also extensively used these photosensitive materials, to the extent that sometimes people weren''t even aware that the currency and coins in their hands were marked.


    And with a simple exposure under a UVmp, these marks would bepletely revealed.


    He was satisfied; there were no marks on this batch of coins, meaning no one was targeting him.


    Lin Qi had considered this issue, using a perspective-taking approach before. If he were someone from the Federal Tax Bureau intending to catch Lin Qi in a tight spot, what would be the most likely sessful approach?


    The answer was simple: use a batch of coins treated with methods approved by the Federal Investigation Bureau or the Sabin City judicial system, "color" them, and then channel them through certain means into Lin Qi''s hands, eventually ending up in Mr. Fox''sundry shop.


    At that point, neither Lin Qi nor Mr. Fox could exin why there were so many marked coins present. They would only need to tweak some crucial evidence dates, and everything would be over.


    The entire criminal chain would bepletely exposed to them, allowing them to take down these individuals all at once. Of course, this was a rtively simple method, but simplicity often equaled effectiveness, at least as far as Lin Qi saw it.


    Whether it was "himself," a high school student newly entering society, or Mr. Fox, someone who had roamed the social sphere for a while butcked intelligence, neither was a match for technological advancements.


    They wouldn''t know there were marks on the money in their hands until they appeared in court, where they might realize why they were caught.


    After switching off the UVmp, Lin Qi scratched his head and poured the coins into a separate iron box. Holding a small bucket, he proceeded to pour detergent over these coins.


    Some marks could be revealed through UV light exposure, while others required different means to transform from hidden to visiblesimple chemical cleaning agents would solve them. Regardless of their existence or effectiveness, Lin Qi felt this wasn''t excessive caution; every transaction that mightnd one in jail required excessive caution.


    Afterpleting these tasks, he poured some coins onto a sieve and waited for them to dry before preparing to leave. There were still a few things left undone, like needing a coin sorter.


    Since this was a business that exploited legal loopholes, it evidently needed to be more formal. Coin allocation would make everything look more legitimate.


    Sebin City had several cksmith shops. While many considered cksmithing a "medieval" thing unfit for a modern metropolis, every city had numerous cksmith shops, and their businesses were not bad.


    On one hand, in increasingly developed societies, there were anti-intellectual groups that still believed handcrafted metallurgy produced better metal goods than emotionless mechanical production. They believed these handmade products contained the spirit of the craftsman...


    On the other hand, not everyone had the budget to create a mold for a specific product. They didn''t need heaps ofmodities, just one, which made cksmith shops necessary.


    Around Lin Qi''s warehouse office were some cksmith shops. They were located a bit away from the city center, avoiding environmental agency harassment while saving a significant amount on rent.


    After asking three cksmith shops and getting no leads on a "coin sorter," Lin Qi realized he had overlooked something: creating a patent.


    A patent was a unique existence; if an ordinary person held many crucial patents, an inexplicable family tragedy might end the protection period directly. However, if these patents were in the hands of capable individuals, they''d be a goldmine.


    While contemting patent registration and hiring awyer, Lin Qi quickly returned to his office. Near noon, a woman in her thirties wearing sses and with some freckles approached the office.


    Her attire might not have been trendy but was well-chosen, indicating at least a middle-ss status. The clothes she wore would never appear on someone from the lower or working ss.


    "Hello, I''m Lin Qi..." Lin Qi took the initiative to shake hands. His handsome appearance and unique aura had a way of connecting with people. The youngdy didn''t hesitate, extending her hand for a handshake and introducing herself.


    "Hello, I''m Vera."


    Lin Qi quickly released her hand and invited Vera into his office, pouring a cup of instant coffee. "I''m sorry; we''ve just set up here and haven''t had time to decorate yet. If it doesn''t bother you..."


    Vera graciously showed her understanding. Following this, Lin Qi began exining the nature of thepany and its operations. She listened attentively, asionally asking questions.


    After chatting for about half an hour, V also had some instant coffee. She appeared rxed as she remarked, "I believe I''ve got it figured out, Mr. Lin Qi. I must say, you have a very clear perspective on financial audits. So, are you nning to hire our firm for agency ounting or directly employ an ountant?"


    She exined further, "Please rest assured; our ounting firm has specialized legal advisors and will sign a confidentiality agreement. We won''t disclose any financial information without your authorization."


    "I personally lean towards the agency ounting model. This way, it could save you a significant amount of capital. Many startups opt for this model in their initial phase."


    Lin Qi smiled without giving a clear answer. Instead, he asked a question that made Vera blush, "Are all the ountants in your firm as beautiful as you?"


    Embarrassed, Vera lowered her head, pushing the gold-rimmed sses slightly up her nose to conceal her mix of embarrassment and pleasant surprise at thepliment, while also giving Lin Qi a slight re.


    Looking at her flushed cheeks and a hint of coquettishness on her face, Lin Qi couldn''t help butugh. "I''m sorry; I didn''t mean anything else. Actually, I''m not a frivolous person. It''s just...," he shrugged, "it''s like the ancient poets singing when they saw a beautiful goddess. People can''t help but praise when they encounter something beautiful. I hope you can forgive me."


    These words made Vera feel a mix of delight and an odd atmosphere in the room. She prepared to stand up to bid farewell to this young man, but Lin Qi took the initiative again, sincerely apologizing for his behavior.


    "I forgive you..." Vera seemed moved by Lin Qi''s sincere apology or maybe couldn''t bear to hassle a handsome young man. Anyway, she forgave Lin Qi''s previous recklessness and added, "...and I''m not beautiful either."


    Lin Qi''s slightly smiling gaze evoked an indescribable emotion in her, fermenting quietly. Hormones surged within her, and the chemical victory caused her breath to quicken slightly.


    Rubbing her hot cheeks, she diverted her gaze from the young man, "You haven''t answered me yet, Mr. Lin Qi. Which cooperation method do you prefer?"


    Appearing to seriously contemte for a while, Lin Qi answered, "Perhaps I need a full-time ountant, Ms. Vera."


    This response surprised Vera. Many small and micro-enterprises used the agency ounting model, and the sry of a full-time ountant could employ almost two ordinary employees. Sry expenses were the first major hurdle for small and micro-enterprises.Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 20:

    Chapter 20:


    Lin Qi was not a womanizer; he couldn''t possibly think about what positions they were going to use in the evening upon seeing a woman for the first time.


    He once listened to a friend''s story in a small cell from another world, a tale that was unlike others, not fantastical or exciting, but merely a narrative of continuous numerical growth.


    That friend actually didn''t aplish much. Amidst boasting about his briefly extravagant life journey, he summarized a few crucial sess lessons, one of which emphasized the necessity of persuading or gaining the favor of an ountant to be on his side.


    An ountant could do so muchso much that many couldn''t fathom. For instance, an ountant could discreetly make millions, tens of millions, or even billions of funds disappear. If certain individuals didn''t need to ess that money, this matter might remain hidden indefinitely.


    Here, they could easily blur the sources of funds and report this portion of the money to the Federal Tax Bureau, although most often, people hired ountants to minimize the amount reported for taxation purposes.


    The world Lin Qi was in now wasn''t highly advanced in terms of information technology. Many things were still manually transcribed, signifying the pivotal role of ountants in this setting.


    Having an ountant standing by his side was crucial. With her professional knowledge, she could help Lin Qi solve numerous problems. Some things couldn''t bepletely grasped through simple learning; he needed a dependable woman.


    Dependability didn''t mean that two people had to be a tightly-knit unit. Instead, their destinies needed to be closely linked. They wouldn''t separate due to certain conflicts, revealing each other''s dark secrets. It was a peculiar connection.


    Anyone who spoke easily would risk not only damaging someone else but also harming themselves. Hence, Lin Qi needed someone who would consider and weigh the pros and cons before speaking out.


    Compared to male ountants who preferred having control, women were easier to manipte. Many believed that men were controlled by hormones, but in reality, it was women, or at least some women who still believed in love.


    Vera''s expression turned somewhat strange after Lin Qi''s speech. She chuckled, then sighed. "I appreciate your words, but I know you''re just trying to narrow the distance between us..."


    This was the advantage of being handsome; there was no need to speak up, as others would actively consider and find suitable reasons for Lin Qi. She nced at Lin Qi, shaking her head slightly. "I''m already married. It''s inappropriate for you to say that. Let''s stick to work, alright?"


    Lin Qi pursed his lips and nodded. "Just work..."


    When emotions and theplex chemical changes within a person begin to evolve, would it be toote to stop?


    Both of them seemed as though the small, interesting exchanges during this time hadn''t created any distance. They persistently discuss work, yet only they themselves knew whether the assumed forgotten conversation had any effect.


    After a brief negotiation, Lin Qi would hire Vera as the ountant for the Great Empire, responsible for all ounting work here. If the Great Empire''s business had a breakthrough in the future, the office wouldn''t just have one person; there would be more.


    Once the sry was finalized, Vera bid farewell to Lin Qi. She needed to return to the office for registration and apply for the employment agreementshe would only work at the office if she didn''t have a full-time job elsewhere.


    The office was aprehensive ce; they handled some bookkeeping services while also cing ountants inpanies for full-time work, offering various rted services.


    While this might seem like talent drain for the office, in reality, it wasn''t, because some talent was indeed scarce, but some talents could be mass-produced. And what society didn''tck most was people.


    The departure of these ountants from the office would expand the office''s influence throughout the city and even the entire Baylor Federation, garnering more attention and clients for the office, not to mention that these ountants were still affiliated with the office.


    As long as Vera submitted her application and signed the agreement with Lin Qi, she would transition from earning hourly wages at the office to receiving a full-time ountant''s sry on a periodic basis, a significant leap for her.


    That evening, when she returned home, she discussed this matter with her husband. Vera''s husband was an auditor, which was quite interesting. Most people praised women for their caution in numerical matters, admiring their meticulousness, but when it came to important matters, they never trusted women.


    For instance, in some important jobs, people were more willing to trust men. Inrger-scale enterprises, the proportion of male ountants was also higher.


    "You''re backter than usual. Got a new client?" Vera''s husband worked for argepany, earning a good sry. Fundamentally, he looked down upon his wife working in a small office.


    It was like professional athletes looking down on semi-professionals or novicesfilled with a sense of disdain umted over time.


    He was flipping through trading reports, checking recent domestic financial news. It was said that a tax scandal had erupted in Kund City. The local Federal Tax Bureau management had colluded with local businessmen in tax evasion, and someone had blown the lid on it. Now, the matter was spreading, reportedly even involving several members of the House of Representatives. The entire federal tax system was focusing on this; it could potentially trigger changes in the state''s tax and financial systems.


    Besides the fundamentalw, localws took precedence over nationalws, and this includedws rted to taxation and official misconduct.


    As an elite ountant in the middle ss and a social elite, Vera''s husband was evidently very attentive to these developments, hoping to find some subtle details and aiming to be a junior partner in thepany within two years.


    His attention was focused on the newspaper. The words he spoke were merely an "unintentional slip" to maintain necessarymunication within the family, and he probably didn''t realize what he said himself.


    Vera walked into the kitchen to prepare dinner for her husband and child. As she handled the ingredients, she nodded and said, "The office introduced a job to me. I thought it was just bookkeeping, but they need me full-time."


    This matter wasn''t actually settled yet; the office would make its own decision on who to send to the Great Empire Service Company unless the employer had a strong request.


    Although everything hadn''t been precisely negotiated, Vera had already affirmed in this statement that she would be the ountant for the Great Empire Service Company. Her inner thoughts were far from the calmness she portrayed.


    If she could be struck in the head by a bullet that traversed space, she might say it was fate.


    Her husband raised an eyebrow, and after a few seconds, his attention shifted from the newspaper''s content back to reality. He half-turned his body, half-turned his face, but his eyes were fixed on the carpet, not on his wife''s figure. "Full-time?"


    "Yeah, full-time!"


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 21:

    Chapter 21:


    Often, everyone knows that their observation of things should not merely skim the surface; after all, there exists something in this world called "miracles."


    Yet, more often than not, people still believe in their initial feelings and what they first see.


    To transform apany with a registered capital of only one hundred bucks into a conglomerate... This kind of thing is not impossible, but it seems unlikely to ur with a smallpany that has a registered capital of only one hundred bucks.


    Vera''s husband''s indifference left her somewhat displeased inside. After all, this was the ce where she was about to work. However, she didn''t show it, appearing to ept her husband''s words filled with sarcasm.


    Some women shouted for equality, baring their bodies as they took to the streets, while others remained at home, obedient to their husbands.


    Later in the evening, after the family had dinner and the child had fallen asleep, Vera, dressed in silky pajamas, returned to the bedroom after freshening up.


    She didn''t know if it was because of that young man, but her emotions today seemed somewhat abnormal, a chemical reaction within her making her body temperature slightly higher than usual by about half a degree.


    With a flushed face, she half-leaned against the bed, looking at her husband sideways. Her face was burning, and as she reached out to signal her husband, he ced the book in his hand on the bedside table, cast a sideways nce at her, and theny down on the bed. "I''m tired. Let''s sleep."


    Her expectations and fire were instantly extinguished by a bucket of cold water. Her expression stiffened, and her hot cheeks quickly cooled down.


    After a few seconds of silence, she nodded,y down on the bed, covered herself with a thin nket, and gradually drifted into slumber after a long sigh.


    The next morning, her husband left for work early. Watching him leave, she felt somewhat mncholic. These years...


    Her understanding of her husband''s work was limited to his workce and vague details about his job. As for the rest, she had no idea. Since her man didn''t want to tell her, she didn''t inquire further.


    After dropping the kid off at school with the maid, she hurried to the office. After discussing some matters with the management there, they called Lin Qi, hoping for a face-to-face conversation to finalize things.


    Lin Qi arrived quickly. When Vera saw him, she couldn''t help but smile a bit more. She recalled thepliments the young man had given her yesterday.


    In fact, this situation urred frequently. Without ountants, there would be no effective cost savings in operations, such as tax avoidance. Lawyers couldn''t handle this; only ountants could.


    So most of the time, business owners wouldpliment the ountants who came to work, praising them for being young and handsome or pretty. But Lin Qi''s praise seemed different and made her slightly happier.


    After signing the agreement, the general manager of the office looked satisfied with the contract, then had the secretary file it away.


    "Mr. Lin Qi, do you have any specific preferences?" The general manager handed him a solid-colored Colofu a pure blue cone-shaped object slightly thinner at both ends like a spindle.


    This was a type of unconventional consumable different from tobo. It wasn''t meant for inhtion; mostly, it was enjoyed by stirring the taste buds to experience its unique vor, surpassing the satisfaction of cigarettes.


    However, some people would inhale it, which came with risks like a short-term increase in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. Despite these issues, some people still used it, leading to two factions of Colofu.


    One was a mixed-type Colofu blended with tobo leaves, indicated by various colors and brown, meant for smoking and rtively cheaper.


    The other type was the pure-colored Colofu that Lin Qi held. It couldn''t be inhaled but was savored within the mouth, offering a unique fragrance and a joy unattainable by ordinary people.


    The price of a single pure blue Colofu was approximately twenty bucks, not the best but not the worst either.


    Lin Qi cut open both ends out of curiosity, then, holding a female-shaped ceramicmp on the table, took a few puffs and nodded.


    The strong fragrance erupted a feeling he couldn''t quite describe in his mouth. It was as if inhaling the smoke contained surprising little balls, which shattered as he "tasted" them, releasing more vors and scents. It was quite mystical.


    He squinted slightly; the faint pleasure made him ponder. This was why people earned money. They needed money to enjoy these wonderful things.


    "Ms. Vera, I''ve met Ms. Vera once. I''m only familiar with her here. If her work history doesn''t show too many errors..." Lin Qi exhaled smoke slowly, shrugging. "Then why choose someone I don''t know?"


    Any ounting firm wouldn''t admit to significant audit errors by their affiliated ountants. That would ruin their reputation. Besides, Ms. Vera hadn''t made any such mistakes.


    It was like over-reporting a few bucks or under-reporting a few bucks for taxes; these were actually minor issues. In the eyes of professional ountants, these problems no longer qualify as issues. They had ways to reconcile these discrepancies in the next ounting cycle.


    So, to put it this way, Ms. Vera didn''t have any problems at all.


    The general manager nodded slightly and pressed a button on his desk''s speed dial, causing a blue light to illuminate. "Ask Ms. Vera toe to my office, right away."


    In less than a minute, after a brief knock and the general manager''s permission, Vera walked in.


    She subconsciously nced at Lin Qi, coincidentally catching his gaze. Their eyes briefly met and quickly separated.


    The general managercked the ability to fathom that the expression between the two was somewhat different from what was typical among most people. However, even if he had noticed, he wouldn''t have been able to discern what it was.


    "Mr. Lin Qi has signed a three-year agreement with us. He also hopes you can be the ountant for the Great Empire Company, provided you have no objections..." The general manager looked at Vera, signaling with his eyes for her to agree.


    This job was quite leisurely. No one would think apany with a registered capital of only one hundred bucks would be very busy. Even if it was a shell, or some other deeper enterprise needed this shell for certain ounts, it wouldn''t be too busy.


    People from the tax bureaus and banks were not fools; all ounts would fall within legal and reasonable limits. This also meant Vera would have a long period of leisure time, making such work more suitable for women.


    This was themon view among most men: women were suitable for simple, leisurely work that wasn''t too busy, didn''t involve physicalbor, and excessive mental effort, simr to how they were perceived to excel only in tasks like childbirth or preparing for childbirth.


    Vera still had some struggles in her heart. She nced at Lin Qi again, who was still looking at her. His gaze caused a peculiar shift in Vera''s emotions.


    It wasn''t a burning gaze, nor was it cold. Itcked intense fluctuations, warm like annoying tepid water not hot enough, not cold enough.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 22:

    Chapter 22:


    After Vera agreed to the hiring request, she swiftly started packing up her things to leave with Lin Qi. In reality, there wasn''t muchjust some office supplies like rulers, erasers, various pens, and tools needed for bookkeeping.


    Before Lin Qi hired her, Vera had been working here as a casualborer. It sounded cheap, and indeed it was. Whenever there was a need for administrative work, she''d be notified toe over and start working. The amount she earned each month wasn''t much.


    Most firms followed the practice of "nurturing neers" to save costs. ountants like Vera, who had worked here for some time, usually handled only the final audits, which wouldn''t take too long.


    The actual long-term work was assigned to these neers. Hence, the firm didn''t need to pay high sries, saving them a considerable amount of money.


    When Lin Qi brought Vera back to the warehouse, Richard and two other guys had been waiting there for a while. Each of them carried a huge backpack, looking visibly strained.


    "You''re finally here, boss..." Richard sighed. Carrying over a thousand bucks on oneself wasn''t an easy task, but leaving it on the ground... wasn''t that safe either.


    The security in Sabin City was limited to the downtown area. Beyond that, there weren''t as many patrols or cops. If something happened, it would be hard for the police to arrive promptly.


    The warehouse area was exactly such a ce. If it weren''t for the three of them standing together, if someone had been alone, they might have left already.


    Lin Qi nodded, opening the side door of the warehouse and turning on all the lights. As he walked toward the office, he introduced Vera to everyone.


    Having an ountant like her eased the anxieties of Richard and the other two guys to some extent. At least, a shellpany wouldn''t think of hiring a full-time ountant.


    Simultaneously, Lin Qi exined their primary business to Vera: a coin exchange service.


    "My salesmen collect loose change from outside and bring it here. Then, otherpanies or individuals exchange it from here at a certain rate. I make a profit from the difference. This is currently our main business..."


    Vera listened attentively because this would be her primary job for the uing period. Lin Qi continued, "You don''t need to worry about my tax issues, you know..." He nced around the rather shabby office, half-smiling. "The city hall encourages micro-enterprises like us and exempts us from taxes. We just need to fileplete reports. No need for tax evasion."


    In reality, there''s no such thing as legal or illegal tax evasion. Ultimately, it''s all tax evasion. However, some cases face repercussions while others don''t.


    The difference lies in the sophistication of methods used. If the ountants hired were not professional enough, coupled with the normal functioning of the federal tax system, they were likely to fall into trouble.


    For those who evaded sessfully, no one knew how much money they spent or connections they utilized to evade taxes. Some even influence changes in localws to evade sessfully.


    The cost of "legally" evading taxes was too high, something Lin Qi couldn''t afford at the moment. Plus, with the tax exemptions for micro-enterprises, he didn''t need to worry about these issues before gaining attention from the federal tax bureau.


    "By the way, before registering mypany, I did some simr business. I have some money from that. Can this money be included in the uing ounts?"


    Vera was slightly distracted. It was the first time she heard someone actively wanting to report taxes. In her past experiences, people tried everything to pay as little tax as possible, even if it meant saving a buck.


    This sudden shift in stance made her feel oddly intrigued. Her professional standards quickly brought her back to reality. She adjusted her sses slightly to conceal her briefpse of attention. "Of course, it can..."


    She paused for a moment, then added, "I think you should get a set of receipts. The tax system will require us to provide relevant evidence. With a legitimate andprehensive receipt system, everything will be simplified!"


    Through Vera''s subsequent exnation, Lin Qi learned that in this world, there were no invoices; instead, there was a judicially recognized system of registered receipts.


    Any registeredpany could apply for its own registered receipt from the tax bureau by providing a designed sample. It seemed bureaucratic andplex, but it wasn''t.


    Once the bureau approved and adopted the temte, it could be used. The printing of these receipts needed to be done at semi-official printing establishments affiliated with local and federal tax bureaus to ensure their legality.


    As for how these receipts were filled out, it depended entirely on everyone''s conscientiousness.


    At times, Lin Qi couldn''t help but appreciate this world. Not only did he have high quality and upbringing, but he was also highly conscientious!


    "Great, you''ve solved a lot of my troubles!" Lin Qi suddenly reached out and shook Vera''s hand, quickly letting go before she showed any emotion.


    He seemed to have made a gesture that could be misunderstood due to his momentary excitement. Even Vera felt it might not have been intentional on Lin Qi''s part. Overthinking this might make her appear too concerned.


    She suppressed her unfounded spection, smiling at Lin Qi.


    "You''re really my angel. May I take you out for dinner tonight?" He pulled a chair next to Vera and sat down.


    A faint, high-end scent of perfume emanated from Lin Qi. It wasn''t strong but consistently reminded those influenced by it of its presence.


    He had bought it specifically yesterday. For the middle ss, style could maximize one''s sensory appeal to another person. After a brief observation of Vera, he purchased this light type of men''s cologne.


    Hints of ssical woody scents blended with a lively fruity note, a peculiarbination that highlighted a special charisma in Lin Qia contradictory charm that was fascinating.


    Before she could react, Lin Qi added, "For our work, on your first day. Shouldn''t we celebrate?"


    It was a reason Vera found hard to argue against. She hesitated for a moment and, after much contemtion, didn''t give Lin Qi a definite answer. Instead, she said, "I need to inform my family first. You know, I''m married and have my own child..."


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 23:

    Chapter 23:


    Thendline phone in the office abruptly rang, and Vera''s husband, Gap, nced at it.


    "Hello?" After a moment, he raised an eyebrow slightly. "Is that so? I understand... Of course, I have an engagement tonight, you know, it''s a critical moment now..."


    After a brief conversation, Mr. Gap hung up the phone. Lost in thought for a moment, he withdrew his gaze, nced at his female secretary, and then looked toward the sofa. The secretary quickly understood Gap''s consideration for her hard work and walked over in bright red high heels to the edge of the sofa.


    The Listoan Group was argepany spanning multiple fields and could be considered an economic pir industry in the city of Sabin. Naturally, the Listoan Group faced various staggering financial statement issues in each cycle.


    As an excellent audit ountant, Gap yed a crucial role. He was not a local; he had relocated from elsewhere after taking up this job.


    It was the most critical moment in his life. The grouppany internally intended to reorganize the management, including the finance department.


    He had cooperated very well with thepany''s management and senior executives all along. The Deputy General Manager of the group told him that if he could progress in his career to the next level, he could be a partner in the group.


    Even being the lowest-tier partner would represent a significant leap in social status for Gap. As long as this promotion was secured, he could achieve a dramatic transition from the middle ss to the upper echelons of society within three to five years.


    It was true that he had an engagement tonight. However, this engagement wasn''t what Vera and most people might imagine - a semi-public gathering discussing work. Instead, it involved bribery.


    Behind any growth, there must be enough nourishment. Gap was well aware of this and understood the direct rtionship between himself and this nourishment, these figures. He knew how to fertilize himself correctly.


    Approaching the sofa, he fondled his secretary while quietly instructing her about her overtime duties for the night.


    Over an hourter, the secretary had retired to the lounge to freshen up for the evening''s engagement. After spritzing some perfume on himself, Gap hesitated for a few seconds before picking up the phone.


    "It''s me. Help me check on my wife and her workce. I want all the information on thatpany, and also, find out what they''ve been up to tonight..."


    After hanging up the phone, a kind of expression... difficult to describe, appeared on Gap''s face. He half-sat at the edge of the table, gazing at the view outside the window for a while before turning back to the table, diving back into countless numbers and receipts.


    Later, Lin Qi and Vera arrived at a supposedly decent restaurant on the outskirts of downtown.


    "Decent" meant that this restaurant''s style wouldn''t be too low, yet it wouldn''t require queuing. The two of them, without waiting, were led by the waiter to a vacant table by the side, where they could have a view of the street.


    As for Richard and the other two individuals, they were merely hired hands who hadn''t even signed employment contracts. They couldn''t be consideredpany employees and naturally wouldn''t be part of this new job celebration ceremony.


    "Ladies first..." As the waiter handed the menu to Lin Qi, he smiled at Vera. His handsome looksbined with such gentlemanly behavior almost fulfilled every woman''s imagination of the opposite sex.


    Perhaps due to the lighting or the gradually warming weather, Vera''s cheeks felt a bit warm. She nced deeply at Lin Qi and didn''t object, taking the menu to start ordering.


    The menu here tended to be straightforward, with no extravagant descriptions. Typically, there would be a colorful photo of a main course, apanied by various exnations of side dishes. Adjustments could be made by notifying the waiter.


    Vera quickly made her choice, opting for a fish fillet, while Lin Qi casually chose a steak and also ordered a bottle of red wine.


    As they waited for their meals, there seemed to be a slight awkwardness between them. Vera attempted to avoid engaging in conversation with Lin Qi, who, in turn, looked at her, making her even more ufortable, prompting her to say something.


    After some thought, she asked, "How did you think of starting this business?" She added, "I never thought currency exchange could be profitable."


    Throughout the day, she had registered over thirty thousand in loose change and watched as these coins turned intorger denominations in a short time. She was aware that Lin Qi''s business might not entirely conform to the rules, but it wasn''t necessarily illegal.


    There was no coercion or inducement; anyone could exchange their loose change. Even thepany''s official registration certificate specifically mentioned "currency exchange business."


    The Social Services Bureau recognized this as a legitimate business, and Lin Qi had sessfully exploited a legal loophole.


    He casually shrugged. "See, we''re a servicepany. As long as there''s demand, a market, we will provide services. We don''t do anything illegal, evade taxes, or discuss contentious issues. This business is actually quite good."


    What he said made sense. Vera wanted to say something to ease the subtle awkwardness but found Lin Qi to be a very special person at this moment.


    His intelligent ideas, precise positioning, excellent thinking abilities, and attitude towards certain things made him seem nothing like a young man who had just entered society after high school.


    Women, before they turn thirty or before being hurt by several scumbags, often base their selection of men on appearance and physique.


    But only after the baptism of time and shedding off superficiality, only after gaining a deeper understanding of the world, would they be enamored by a man''s talents and charisma.


    Lin Qi was undoubtedly a talented, charismatic, and handsome young man, meeting contemporary women''s ideals for the best partner.


    In just one day, Lin Qi had earned over two thousand bucks. This was from apany with a registered capital of only a hundred, and on its first official day of operation, it generated profits over twenty times thepany''s assets. This profit rate was staggering!


    What made Vera''s heart race even faster was Lin Qi''s intense gaze, his humorous conversation, and his slightly aggressive demeanor, all contributing to her palpitations.


    "In fact, you have a great figure..." A sentence from Lin Qi caught Vera by surprise. He then looked at the te just served by the waiter, containing pieces of grilled fish.


    Most people would consider steak as the main course, partly due to dietary habits and also because steak was more essible.


    Fish fillet was different, not a traditional choice, especially since Sabin was far from the coastline.


    The recent poprity of fish fillet was rted to some nutritionists who believed eating fish fillets was healthier, with lower fat content, more suitable for those wanting to maintain or lose weight.


    Whether it was urate or not was the concern of professionals, but Lin Qi simply thought Vera had a good figure, with no visible excess fat.


    She touched her cheek, feeling a bit shy. "Really?" She hesitated before falling silent.


    The conversation then shifted back to some work-rted and societal observations. The atmosphere between the two became increasingly harmonious. At this moment, Lin Qi unexpectedly noticed the News Head in the distance.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 24:

    Chapter 24:


    After several days of contemtion, hatred hadn''t easily left the News Head''s inner world; instead, it grew more intense with time. Every time he got drunk, he remembered the humiliation, harm, and control Michael exerted on him that night. He just wanted a soulmate like most normal people did. He hadn''t done anything wrong; the girl didn''t object either, but then Michael suddenly appeared.


    He kicked the News Head and trampled on the most precious part of his body without letting him wear clothes, all in front of his foster daughter. Later, his foster daughter disappeared somewhere, and he ended up with a bunch of evidence in Michael''s hands. Recalling every time Michael verbally abused him or took away his money, he grew to hate him more.


    Especially this time, losing thousands of bucks made him feel deeply humiliated again, and it was now rted to his control over those children.


    Now, all the kids in the entire building knew someone named Michael took money that belonged to the News Head. He felt like he was being grilled, and the older kids'' gazes had changed towards him.


    Gradually, he began losing control over these children, especiallyst night. After getting drunk, intending to hit a child to release the suppressed emotions, two older kids grabbed his whip and pushed him out of the door.


    This loss of control terrified him even more. Everything he had was built upon absolute control over these children. If he didn''t change anything, soon he would be one of those failures in his eyes, dust in the heap of history.


    "Does it work?" The News Head faced a man hiding in a dark corner, counting money in his hand, showing no response to the News Head''s question.


    After a while, after counting a roll of cash, the man nodded slightly. "No problem. I''ve tested it. There are four bullets inside. If you want more..."


    He took out a bunch from his pocket. "Two bucks each."


    The News Head''s face twitched. He silently pocketed the pistol. This modified firearm didn''t have any identification, making it hard to trace back even if problems arose. Many underground arms dealers liked these weapons; at least, they could ensure they wouldn''t get involved in any cases.


    "Alright, money''s settled. Any other business?" The shadowy figure inquired from the darkness. The News Head shook his head. After exchanging greetings, the man swiftly disappeared into the alley.


    As the sky darkened, the News Head, with a gun in his pocket, felt something he had never experienced before, something called "power." This was drastically different from the power he had felt before.


    Previously, his power was based on the physical differences between adults and individual children. He was stronger than the children, so he controlled them. But now, this newfound power allowed him to fulfill his desires, directly taking others'' lives. This elevated control over others'' lives made him feel like a god.


    Anyone who made him ufortable would end their ugly lives as he pulled the trigger. This reckless sense of plunder excited his whole being.


    Before going back, the News Head went to the local deli and got some slices of ham and theplimentary small bread rolls. To attract more customers, many delis started offering a small bag containing four fist-sized whole wheat rolls upon purchasing a sufficient quantity of specified meats.


    This business model gradually spread fromrger cities to smaller towns. While people might have yet to be aware, those specializing in finance and economics have already identified these issues.


    The slowdown in economic growth had heightened societalpetitiveness. The overall national-level financial and economic development had experienced deceleration, presenting some challenges yet also representing a reasonable phenomenon.


    Munching on the savory ham slices, paired with the bread rolls and inexpensive strong liquor, he sessfully made himself dizzy once again. Simultaneously, an inexplicable impulse began invading his mind.


    He recalled the event fromst night in the dormitory when he was driven out by those children who used to be bossed around by him like dogs. A wicked smile appeared on his face as he held a whip and a bottle, swaying into the dormitory.


    Minutester, a somewhat not-so-jarring gunshot echoed. The chaotic noise in the entire dormitory instantly turned silent. Subsequently, the sound of a whip cracking against flesh followed.


    But this time, unlike before, nobody cried. Each person gritted their teeth, which only fueled the News Head''s distorted impulse.


    No crying? I''ll make you cry!


    The beating continued in the silent night.


    After a day''s work, Vera had be proficient in the specifics of her job. After Lin Qi finished dealing with a transaction and bid her farewell, he left first. He had other matters to attend to, like entrusting awyer to register some patents, finding a factory to manufacture his coin sorter, and being curious about the strange behavior of the News Head he saw during dinner with Vera yesterday.


    He contemted whether the News Head was nning something. He needed toplete his tasks first, like cing his ring in Michael''s room.


    There was much to do, but he still needed to do it step by step.


    Approaching noon, Lin Qi headed to a rather ordinaryw firm in Sabin City. It wasn''t the most renowned or the one with the highest sess rate in defense cases, but he didn''t need those references for patent registration.


    The main reason for choosing this firm was its affordability. If hiring an ountant could make one feel the pinch once every month, hiring awyer could make one feel the pinch for an entire month or even longer.


    The cost of discussions was just a part of the overall fees. From the moment they left the office, they began charging for travel expenses. If they left carrying a briefcase, material fees were added. Not to mention additional expenses due to thirst or hunger, which were unavoidable. So, Lin Qi just needed an averagewyer.


    "Hello..." Lin Qi entered, and thewyer politely invited him to sit down. He then clicked on a double-sided small clock on the table, starting the timer.


    At that moment, thewyer spoke, "If my secretary didn''t ck off, she should have informed you that our conversation costs twenty-five bucks per hour. If it''s less than an hour, it''s calcted as an hour. Right?"


    Lin Qi nodded, and thewyer''s smile grew wider. "So, how can I assist you?"


    "I want to register a patent."


    "A patent?" Thewyer paused momentarily, reevaluating Lin Qi. Considering Lin Qi''s age, he assumed Lin Qi would discuss potential criminal activities like assault, injury, or robbery rather than registering a patent. Hence, he confirmed it again.


    Lin Qi nodded again, and thewyer began his work, "Alright, to be honest, our firm doesn''t specialize in patentw, but we can manage..."


    Before he finished his sentence, Lin Qi stood up. Thewyer stood up quickly, trying hard to secure the business. "We can offer you a discount. Trust me, registering a patent doesn''t require highly specialized knowledge!"


    Because each state and region had differentws, what was permissible in one state might not pass the scrutiny of the judicial department in another state. Nowyer dared to im omnipotence; they often specialized in a particr field. For instance,wyers dealing with criminal cases specifically studied the content of criminal cases and the conviction and sentencing standards in various states regarding criminal cases.


    Simrly, there werewyers specializing in marriage and divorce, financialwyers dealing with wealth disputes, and patentwyers specifically catering to patents.


    The primary scope of a patentwyer''s work wasn''t registering patents but rather effectively assisting employers in establishing patent barriers, solving technical monopoly issues, and handling various infringement cases.Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 25:

    Chapter 25:


    A pile of known and unknown patents evidently couldn''t be decided upon in just two or three minutes. Lin Qi reached a verbal agreement with thew firm, intending to prepare the necessary materials and thenmission the firm to register at the Social Services Bureau together.


    Actually, he could register patent information without thewyer''spany, but there were some issues he might not be able to resolve entirely. For instance, the applicability of patents within the state, federal patents, global patents, and various rted terms. To avoid potential loopholes in the future, it was best to have awyer apany him.


    After discussing these matters, he returned to the warehouse. Richard and the other two industrious worker bees had returned for another round within the two-plus hours he was gone.


    Boxes and boxes of coins seemed particrly impressive. Even though they were just coins, and also precisely because they were coins, the shimmering gloss associated them directly with wealth.


    The primary issue now was counting the money. Perhaps he could have the coin sorter made while simultaneously getting the patent registered. His next step wasn''t just Mr. Fox''s business but the entire Sabin City''s businesses, a big deal.


    Lin Qi examined the coins under a UVmp, cleaned them with detergent, and let them dry, waiting for Mr. Fox''s people to collect the coins.


    Before their arrival, Lin Qi would call Mr. Fox once more to ensure that the personing to collect the goods was indeed from Mr. Fox.


    More than 1,600 bucks were ounted for in the morning, much faster than yesterday, especially Richard, whose speed and quantity were almost equal to the other twobined, being the most hardworking one.


    The other two workers were slower in exchanging coins. They had asked Richard why he could always convert all the money in his pocket into coins quickly and efficiently. Richard always wore a foolish smile and said it was just about going to different ces more.


    Lin Qi knew his trick but didn''t expose it. Richard had reduced a portion of his ie to change the whole amount of money into coins, not being stingy.


    Though it seemed like his profit had decreased, in reality, due to the increased speed and quantity, his ie surpassed others by far.


    In a rtively fair environment, a certain ie disparity could sparkpetitiveness among people, which was actually a good thing.


    Lin Qi''s entire day was consumed by this smallpany. In fact, he didn''t need to stay in the office the whole day. However, until now, Vera couldn''t yet be fully trusted, and some things others might not be able to do. For now, he had to toil hard on his own.


    At the initial birth of any micro-enterprise, the first people those bosses often exploit are themselves. In this process, they gradually learn the correct methods of exploiting workers - through practice on themselves - and eventually take the most resolute and firm step towards bing capitalists.


    Later on, after Lin Qi dropped off Vera at home, he returned to the warehouse district. After shutting off the power, he quickly made a seemingly rodent-chewed short circuit point and then flipped the circuit breaker.


    After a brief sound resembling a continuous high-frequency vibration, the just-lit light once again dimmed. Lin Qi calmly walked to the desk and picked up the phone.


    Before long, an electrician from the warehouse area arriveda man in his thirties who seemed quite experienced. He first checked the fuse box, removed the blown fuse, reported the situation to Lin Qi, and then began searching for the point of the short circuit.


    At the same time, he handed Lin Qi a clipboard with a stack of forms, which were the standard electrical repair forms used in Sabin City and even throughout the entire state.


    By filling out these forms, electricians would receive a bonus at the end of the month, apart from their basic sry. The more forms they had, the more bonuses they received.


    Incentive systems were essentially a form of exploitation. However,pared to other more tant forms, people actually preferred this one.


    While the electrician wasn''t paying attention, Lin Qi tore off the top sheet and slipped it into the desk drawer. Then he started filling out the repair form on the second sheet.


    After about ten minutes, the electrician found the point. He looked at it and advised Lin Qi, "You''ve got rats in your warehouse, sir. I suggest you hire a pest controlpany to get rid of them. Otherwise, they might continue damaging the wires here..."


    Rats chewing through wires wasn''t a rare urrence; it happened frequently each year, and the electrician was ustomed to it. He continued recing the wires while advising Lin Qi, "I have a business card here. If you''re considering it, you can contact them, mention my name, and they''ll offer you a suitable discount!"


    He nced back at Lin Qi, who was filling out the form, and quickly separated the wires, recing them.


    Later, he checked the form filled out by Lin Qi, tore off a portion, and handed it to him. Sometimes, the department would scrutinize these repair orders randomly. The powerpany wouldn''t blindly pay the electricians ording to these forms; they would always find some issues to refuse payment for a portion of the work.


    Meanwhile, he also handed a business card to Lin Qi, who naturally epted it, shook hands, and saw the electrician off.


    He didn''t immediately pay for the repairs andbor costs. By month-end, the powerpany would send the other part of these repair forms to the bank. With the bank having collection services, their service fee was much more economical and secure than immediate payment and the uncertainty and high additionalbor costs involved in collecting it. Therefore, the bill would be sent directly to the warehouse by month-end.


    As for the possibility of someone moving away overnight to evade the bills, it was highly unlikely. When Lin Qi rented the warehouse, he paid a sufficient deposit and advance rent. It wasn''t worth losing this money just to avoid a few additional costs.


    On his way back, he casually chose a stationery store and bought arge-sized clipboard and some oil paper used for printing promotional posters.


    One side of the oil paper was slightly rough, with a thinyer of wax on the other side. Pressing the stencil onto the paper and giving it a push with the ink roller, a small ink poster capable of creating extensive stains would emerge.


    This kind of oil paper was simr to the electrician''s repair orders; the wax surface would protect the paper from irreversible damage caused by water-based or oil-based stains.


    As per Lin Qi''s request, the store owner cut out a small portion. After that, Lin Qi returned to the temporary rented room with the clipboard, a stack of nk oil papers, and an empty repair form.


    After eating a bit, he changed into the electrician''s attire he had bought earlier. These items were avable in many ces and weren''t ssified as restricted items; anyone had the right to purchase them.


    Then, he ced the repair form on top of the oil paper and secured it using the clipboard before lowering the brim of his cap and leaving the back of the small bar in the darkening evening.


    Approximately twenty minutester, he appeared around Michael''smunity.


    He felt that the News Head''s suspicious actions yesterday evening indicated he might take action soon. It was an opportunity but also required him to be cautious.


    Lin Qi was never a good person, at least ording to his own judgment and that of the judges. But he also believed he wasn''t a bad person. All those who ended up in dire straits because of him actually died due to their own greed.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 26:

    Chapter 26:


    Most middle-ssmunitiese with excellent auxiliary servicepanies, ranging from cleaning to security, includingmunity hospitals and doctors, providing residents withprehensive care and services.


    For these services, residents in thesemunities had to spend a considerable amount each quarter to maintain these amenities. However, their investment was deemed worthwhile because it provided them with a sense of "dignity" and "respectability," surpassing that of the lower social strata.


    Just as Lin Qi turned his bicycle into themunity entrance from the main road, the security guard stationed at the gate stopped him. "This is a private area. You can''t enter..."


    With the fading daylight, the security guard hadn''t initially noticed Lin Qi''s attire, the typical outfit of an electrician. Only after Lin Qi ventured further did the guard take note of his appearance.


    Generally, many middle-ssmunities had their own electricians. These electricians'' sries weren''t covered by the servicepanies but rather by all themunity''s homeowners. They also allocated an additional sum to the servicepany as management fees.


    The advantage of this arrangement was that if there was an issue with a household''s electrical system, the electrician would promptly arrive to rectify the problem. However, this arrangement had also led to some problems, such as dissatisfaction from the power supplypany.


    Business that originally belonged to the power supplypany was taken over by the servicepanies. This led to tensions between the two entities. To recover their losses, the power supplypany resorted to highlighting issues of circuit aging and maintenance.


    The servicepanies refused to acknowledge the power supplypany''s demands. Consequently, the power supplypany resorted to various methods, primarily phone threats, informing homeowners withmunity electricians that their circuits were aging and that refusal to inspect the lines could lead to fires and consequences of death.


    Eventually, most homeowners demanded inspections by the power supplypany and were willing to pay an additional sum for it. Some were unaware that this fee would be billed by the servicepany before the end of the billing cycle.


    Some people would read the itemized bills carefully, especially the increasingly financially strained middle ss, while most normal families wouldn''t pay much attention to these small expenses.


    This exined why middle-ssmunities and some high-end neighborhoods would cover various lines and equipment with lead seals that prevented disassembly. And only the power supplypany''s personnel were authorized to disassemble them. If a portion of the circuit was dismantled for inspection, the entiremunity''s homeowners would need to foot the bill.


    This wasn''t the case for allmunities; some servicepanies didn''t provide electrician services, which was amon urrence.


    Lin Qi stopped his bike, lifting the clipboard in his hand. The first page of the maintenance record made him appear more formal. "I''m here to inspect the circuits. There have been reports of aging and cracking."


    The security guard frowned. He was well aware that these were tactics employed by the power supplypany, but that wasn''t his concern. He didn''t need to make enemies over hispany''s affairs.


    He waved his hand, admonishing Lin Qi not to disturb the residents before returning to his post at the gate, diligently carrying out his duties.


    Lin Qi, familiar with the area, found Michael''s house. Next to his yard stood a utility pole with a tform, akin to a medieval crow''s nest on a ship, used primarily for inspections.


    There was a box installed there, housing some electrical equipment sealed with lead strips. It required special tools to break the lead seal to ess the box.


    The numbers on these lead strips were used as the basis for billing by the servicepany. Typically, electricians would show these numbered lead strips to the servicepany, keep a record, and then return them to the power supplypany.


    Lin Qi climbed up the protruding part of the utility pole effortlessly. From this angle, he could observe Michael''s entire house clearly.


    It must be said that this guy knew how to pick a spot. The three-story detached house seemed to cover about 200 square meters, including the front and back yards. While it didn''t have a swimming pool, it did boast some smallndscaping features.


    asionally, passersby would nce up at Lin Qi, who appeared "busy." Soon, their gazes would avert elsewhere.


    As the weather grew hotter, it became the season for frequent circuit inspections. Every summer, almost every week, fires caused by aging circuits urred across the nation. Even in more upscalemunities, monthly inspections were considered normal. Especially during the hottest days, where electricity consumption would increase dramatically, it was easy to encounter some issues, so there were checks almost every day.


    By around ten in the evening, and with no sign of the News Head, Lin Qi was about to leave when, at that moment, a suspicious figure stealthily approached from the rear of themunity.


    The News Head had wanted toe earlier, but the problem was that he was stopped outside the gate. Someone dressed in cheap clothes and emanating the smell of alcohol like him surely couldn''t be a resident of thismunity, so the security guard dutifully prevented him from entering.


    Considering the frequent patrols by security inside themunity and having had a bit to drink earlier in the night to build courage, the News Head, while waiting for an opportunity, dozed off in the roadside bushes.


    If it weren''t for the temperature and the mosquitoes waking him, he might have slept until the next morning.


    Seeing no chance through the front gate, he decided to go around to the rear gate.


    The back gate also had a guardhouse and a small road leading directly to the main road, but it was further away. Plus, people were ustomed to using the front gate, so the back gate was closed.


    Cars couldn''t go in or out, nor could pedestrians. But such lenient measures couldn''t stop someone with hands and feet. The News Head easily scaled the gate, waiting until two sets of patrolling guards had passed by to confirm their patrol interval, and then made his way toward Michael''s residence.


    At this moment, the streetlights, constrained by theirmpshades, were unable to cast light horizontally. Standing at the top of the utility pole, Lin Qihidden in the darknesswas barely noticeable unless someone got particrly close.


    Lin Qi watched as the News Head stealthily flipped over a roughly 1.2-meter-tall vegetation-covered courtyard wall and hopped into the yard. Observing him sneakily circling around the house, attempting to push open every essible window.


    Perhaps due to the excessively secure environment or maybe due to an inherent sense ofcencymon among women, on the western side of the house, amidst the News Head''s surprise, he managed to open a window.


    The window was slowly pushed open without making any noise. With a forceful push, his upper body squeezed through the window. All of this was observed by Lin Qi, who remained motionless, waiting.


    As time ticked away, the tranquil night sky exuded its starry brilliance and serene beauty. In the darkness, Lin Qi''s gaze remained fixed on that house.


    It had been almost ten minutes since the News Head entered until now. That idiot couldn''t even manage such a small task? Lin Qi thought to himself.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 27:

    Chapter 27:


    Every family has blind spots that others cannot see. Many envy Michael''s family and his house because it was not an easy feat to move into a middle-ssmunity at such a young age.


    But who would have thought that the house might not be as perfect as Lin Qi imagined? Some outdated appliances hadn''t been reced, some wallpapers were faintly showing a hint of decayed yellow, decorative sterboards were starting to crack, and some floors, worn and worm-eaten over time, were no longer as stable as before.


    Every family had simr problems; some were rted to decoration and furnishings, while others involved family rtionships.


    Fortunately, Michael''s job nature and his workce ensured that there wouldn''t be significant issues in their family rtionships. The management of the critical departments ensured their family''s well-being, ensuring they had enough to eat and even some extra money.


    As long as financial freedom was achieved, most of the time, the rtionships between family members wouldn''t sour. Emotions and warmth, fundamentally, were built upon materialforts.


    When the News Head"s shoe stepped on a floorboard that Michael''s wife had mentioned changing twice but hadn''t, a creaking sound echoed in the empty house. At midnight, any sound from the living room was enough to make many people''s nerves tense in the darkness.


    Michael''s wife switched on the light, walked to the door, and pressed her ear against it, listening to the noises outside. She was alone in the house today; their maid wasn''t a live-in type, and their house wasn''t a vi or a mansion but just an ordinary detached house in a middle-ssmunity.


    They didn''t have spare bedrooms or bathrooms for the maid''s use. Also, since their child were still at the full-time private school, there was no one else in the house but her.


    This woman in her thirties listened carefully for a while. It seemed there were no more noises in the downstairs living room. The sound she had heard just now felt like an illusion, not so vivid.


    Facing the door, she hesitated. Should she go out and check?


    Usually, Michael was at home, and she never realized that a big house could give her such a terrifying feeling as it did now. It was just a door''s distance, yet it became the boundary between light and darkness.


    Opening the door, facing the darkness not everyone had that courage.


    Meanwhile, with a gun in his hand, the News Head tiptoed upstairs, his gaze fierce and slightly mad, fixated on the light beneath the door crack in the corridor upstairs. Those lights seemed to want to break free from the narrow gap, illuminating the room and dispelling the darkness, but they were too weak, only brightening the floor inches beyond the gap.


    Barefoot and moving slowly, he reached the door of the master bedroom. He knew that the noise caused by him stepping on the floor just now might have alerted someone inside the room. He waited, waiting for the other person to open the door voluntarily.


    A few secondster, Michael''s wife, somewhat hesitant, opened the door. A grotesque face instantly upied her entire field of vision. Before her scream of fear could even sound for half a second, it was met with a punch that silenced her!


    Outside the house, Lin Qi saw two shadows quickly sh past the window through the partially shaded curtains. The abrupt scream ceased suddenly, not even disturbing the neighbors nearby.


    Lin Qi tidied up his tools, silently climbed down from the utility pole, nced at the lit windows, and then headed towards the front gate.


    If the News Head hadn''te looking for him and was willing to take the loss silently, there wouldn''t have been the News Head and his story in this whole incident.


    But he wasn''t willing to take the loss quietly and came to confront him. This meant the News Head was an unstable element, potentially a significant troublemaker, especially considering his greed that might turn into a dagger aimed at Lin Qi.


    Once Michael trusted him, convinced that his money was withheld by Lin Qi, they might likely join forces. That wasn''t a scenario Lin Qi favored.


    When enemies could join hands, it meant facing more unexpected troubles. So he had given the News Head a hint.


    He intended to teach Michael a lesson that would deeply affect him but also take the opportunity to deal with the News Head. Otherwise, if the News Head started bbering at the police station, there was a high chance he''d shift the me onto Lin Qi.


    That was what Lin Qi was most worried about. He wasn''t an influential figure in the Baylor Federation. Even in this small city, Sabin City, not many people heard of his name.


    The head of a federal regional tax bureau investigation team framing someone might not be beyond the realm of possibility. In this process, with the involvement of someone like the News Head, who would cooperate with Michael by smearing themselves, there was indeed a chance that Lin Qi would be caught by them.


    After absorbing a wealth of knowledge in that small cell, he arrived at a conclusion: it''s best not to let potential enemies form alliances. The more people involved, the stronger their courage; eventually, they will turn ''possibility'' into ''reality''.


    Sess or failure was just an attempt for them, but for Lin Qi himself, it could be devastating. The best solution was to ''deal with'' them before they united, making it impossible for them to be a whole.


    Lin Qi sprinted towards the guard post, quickly finding the security on duty. After briefing him about his findings, the security immediately took it seriously.


    When Michael discovered Lin Qi''s presence in the neighborhood where he lived, he specifically asked themunity servicepany to take extra care of their house. He had also expressed concern about leaving his wife alone at home while he was on an assignment.


    In regard to Michael''s entrustment, the servicepany assured that they would definitely make every effort to fulfill his request. After all, he was the head of the local tax bureau investigation team and still held some power.


    The servicepany handed this matter over to the security personnel. Upon hearing about the situation, the security didn''t dare to be negligent. Not only did they use the walkie-talkie to summon more people, but those on duty at the guard booth also immediately ran towards Michael''s house.


    Seeing that the other batch of patrolling security hadn''t arrived yet, one security guard gritted his teeth and rushed towards the door, loudly inquiring about the situation inside the house.


    Sometimes, raising an rm wasn''t to remind the criminals that the peopleing to catch them had arrived. It was to try and stop the criminal activity through this means. The police or the investigative bureau weren''t that foolish.


    Suddenly, the curtains on the second floor were lifted, and the News Head, terrified, looked at the security jumping into the yard. He nced back at Michael''s wife, who had lost the courage to resist him, clenched the gun in his hand, and decided to flee immediately.


    He wasn''t here to die; he was here for revenge. Even though he hadn''tpleted his initial n entirely, he had somewhat avenged himself. There was no need to stay here.


    He tightened the belt he had loosened a moment ago, dashed out of the room, and flipped down from the second floor. Before he could run out, the door was pushed open.


    Their eyes met, the confrontation and the distant sound of a whistle immediately made the News Head snap out of his panic. He instinctively pulled out the gun from his pocket, shouting as he ran towards the door, "Don''t force me, get away from the door!"


    Facing the threat of a gun, most people wouldn''t think their flesh and blood could withstand a bullet''s harm. The security guard''s scalp tingled, and he raised his hands in surrender...


    Seeing this scene, the News Head''s face twisted with a smirk.


    He once again realized the power of this little cutie in his hand.


    Witnessing the News Head''s departure, the security rushed upstairs to find Michael''s wife while using the walkie-talkie to inform other guards about the situation.


    In less than thirty seconds, the police sirens sounded outside themunitythe middle-ss gathering areas always had many police patrol cars. Some affluentmunities even had two to three police cars stationed there year-round.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 28:

    Chapter 28:


    Chapter 28Half an hourter, Michael''s wife was taken to the hospital, and the police left after investigating the scene.


    They believed it was a rather ordinary and obvious case of burry and assault, not something unusual in Baylor Federal. There were always somezy and desperate people willing to resort to illegal means to get some money.


    However, the police didn''t leave empty-handed. They thought the escaped criminal might be familiar with Michael''s homeknowing he was away on an assignment, the child was still at school, and only Michael''s wife was at home.


    The robbery turned into an assault, which, in the eyes of the police, became evidence that the perpetrator might have a grudge or hatred towards this family.


    The empty house was now pitch dark. Lin Qi, wearing gloves, opened the yard gate and closed it behind him. He pulled out homemade lock-picking toolsa modified bottle opener and a hook-shaped pick, both purchasable in hardware or tool stores.


    The principle behind the old-fashioned door lock was simple: pressing the pins into the keyhole allowed the lock cylinder to turn and open the door. While a key could easily achieve this, without one, additional torque was needed for the lock cylinder.


    Applying torque created a slight misalignment between the lock cylinder and the pins. This tiny misalignment was enough to prevent the pins from falling out of the keyhole. Manipting the pins with the pick into the correct positions allowed the door to open after a series of clicking sounds.


    After a few twists and clicks, the door lock gave a clunk sound. ncing around, Lin Qi turned the doorknob and slipped into the room through the crack of the door.


    The house was slightly messy. The police had paused here briefly to collect evidence earlier. Lin Qi lit his pocket shlight and made his way upstairs.


    After a few minutes, he found the study in the house. Unexpectedly, the investigator Michael had a hot temper but was fond of reading. Looking at the orderly rows of books, Lin Qi couldn''t help but feel that Michael had read all those books for nothing.


    He rummaged around and found a safe but chose not to tamper with it. He had learned how to crack these old-style safes. Understanding the principle made it rtively easy. These wheel-typebination locks were essentially a series of rotating wheels. By aligning the markings on each wheel, the mechanism could be unlocked when everything fell into ce, allowing the bolt to retract smoothly.


    Some movies depicted using stethoscopes to listen to the sounds of the internal wheel rotations, which initially worked but manufacturers soon patched this obvious vulnerability. However, skilled craftsmen could rely on the feel of the lock, which was a different matter.


    Inside the safey some money, perhaps useful for Michael, but nothing of use to Lin Qino evidence, notebooks, or anything aligned with his purpose for being there.


    He roamed the room, pulled open a few drawers beneath the desk, found some loose change in the right drawer, and hatched a n. He ced his gold ring, a personal possession, into the second-tost drawer and restored everything to its original state before departing.


    This was one of his primary objectives for the day: leaving the gold ring in Michael''s home. Then, he needed to address other issues the News Head.


    The News Head had managed to escape. The crime-solving rate in this era was dismally low. Due to privacy concerns and other reasons, Baylor Federalcked any surveince systems.


    This meant that all information rted to suspects derived indirectly from clues and eyewitness ounts. Without witnesses, cases like Lin Qi''s break-in would hardly be solved unless the culprit made a mistake during their next crime or was exceptionally forting during interrogation, confessing their previous deeds.


    Otherwise, one couldn''t rely much on the police.


    This case had slightly graver implications, involving the head of the tax bureau investigation team. Sabin City Police Department had deployed additional manpower. They were waiting for Michael''s wife to recover from her shock, hoping for a more urate description of the suspect.


    Themunity security provided a sketch of the suspect. Unfortunately, it was drawn in a poorly lit area without adequate lighting frommunity streetmps. The security personnel''s vague and uncertain description rendered the sketch less meaningful.


    Meanwhile, the News Head the police were looking for had returned to his territory. His heart rate had just settled from its racing pace. Only the handgun he clutched could provide him some sce.


    He felt foolish. Initially intending to make the woman suffer a bit and perhaps threaten her to retrieve the evidence in Michael''s possession, a terrible desire had suddenly overtaken him, leading to actions he couldn''tprehend.


    Now that his emotions had stabilized, he realized he had made a grave mistake. The woman had seen his face, and it would be an unforgettable memory. In a day or two, within a week at most, his wanted poster would flood Sabin City. He had too many acquaintances here; his fate was sealed.


    He could alreadypletely imagine Michael''s furyup until this moment, the News Head''s inner self still feared Michael, and he couldn''t change that fact.


    Although reluctant, he made a decision. He had to leave, leave Sabin City, andy low elsewhere. When the dust settled, perhaps he wouldn''t return at all.


    He had moneysaved over the years, a few tens of thousands, stashed away in a shoebox in his room. This money hadn''t seen the inside of a bank. It stayed within a shoebox.


    He also had his gun. With these resources, he could disappear somewhere else, engage in some small business, or even return to his former line of work.


    Thinking this through, he didn''t hesitate. Ignoring the kids in the dormitory, he went straight back to his room. He rummaged through a pile of seemingly worthless garbage and retrieved the shoebox. After gathering some items he couldn''t bear to discard, he left in the dead of night.


    He assumed nobody noticed his actions, but a few of the eldest kids in the dormitory did. Since the News Head had fired a shot at a child''s thigh yesterday, these seemingly docile kids had fostered an emotion the News Head himself hadn''t been aware of.


    Within a minute of his departure, the older kids armed themselves with knives usually used for cooking and some steel bars "picked" from a construction site, chasing after him.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 29:

    Chapter 29:


    Determination is rarely something that emerges out of thin air.


    The gunshot fromst night had made these children from various ces aware of the situation spiraling out of control.


    Before, no matter what they did, the News Head would at most suspend them and beat them, or starve them for a day or two. After all, regardless of anything else, they were children sent by welfare institutions or poor families to "work." The News Head didn''t dare to be too severe with them.


    But yesterday, the News Head aimed a gun at one of them. The bullet pierced the child''s thigh. Instead of taking the child to the hospital, the News Head casually found a piece of wire and removed the bullet himself.


    The bleeding stopped, but from midnight, the child began to run a fever. The fever persisted all day today and hadn''t subsided; instead, it was getting worse.


    The children in the dormitory believed that the child had to be taken to the hospital, but they didn''t have money. Everyone pooled together the money they had saved up, barely reaching five hundred bucks. This amount wouldn''t be enough for medical treatment.


    Among the older children in the dormitory, faced with this situation, a trace of murderous intent finally arose.


    "It seems like he''s in trouble," murmured a child behind the News Head, lowering their voice to converse with theirpanions. These children might not necessarily be less naive than adults just entering society. On the contrary, they might be more mature or, one could say, cunning.


    From the News Head''s panicked expression and the fact that he didn''t enter the dormitory with a whip seeking the pleasure of control, it was certain that he had caused trouble and seemed poised to flee.


    Originally, these children nned to talk to him when he barged into the dormitory. If he was willing to provide money for theirpanion''s medical treatment, things could still be as they were before.


    But if he refused, tonight would be the time for him to meet his maker.


    However, they hadn''t expected such an ident to ur.


    Another child lightly responded, "This is perfect. Let''s wait until he''s a bit farther, then we''ll make our move."


    The group fell silent afterward, closely following the News Head.


    Meanwhile, the News Head didn''t realize, nor would he have imagined, that these children, whom he had freely insulted and abused, would now be following behind him at a time like this, harboring murderous intent.


    As the surroundings grew increasingly deste and the buildings became scarcer, they had left the urban area of Sabin City. Outsidey vast wilderness and intercity/intercontinental roads.


    Every day, long-distance buses to other cities passed along these roads. There would always be kind-hearted people, so the News Head wasn''t worried about someone being stranded in the wilderness.


    At that moment, the murderous intent in the eyes of several children couldn''t be contained any longer. They swiftly lowered their bodies and charged toward the News Head.


    The footsteps from behind immediately rmed the already highly sensitive News Head. He turned around, seeing nothing but darkness and faint, blurry shadows. He was suddenly startled.


    While loudly intimidating whoever owned the footsteps behind him and running swiftly, the News Head was burdened by many belongings and his age. Having lived a life of luxury for too long, his physical strength couldn''t match these children who struggled for survival every day.


    As the silent, dark figures closed in, the News Head, in desperation, drew a handgun and aimed at one of the shadows, pulling the trigger.


    The darkness of the night was pierced by a fleeting sh with a sound of gunshot, illuminating the fear on the News Head''s face in stark contrast to the cold indifference on the faces of several children.


    The bullet grazed the ground, sparking a few mes before disappearing somewhere. It missed its target. This weapon, modified from a signal gun, had many ws. Even at close range, its uracy wascking.


    The News Head pulled the trigger again, but this time, the gun misfired. This was the second w after the gun''s modification into a signal gun. The hammer and the revolving magazine weren''t synchronized, sometimes needing manual adjustments for the hammer to strike urately on the primer.


    The bullet didn''t discharge. This made the News Head''s hidden expression in the darkness even more horrifying. He fired another shot but still failed to trigger. Panicked, he threw away the gun and ran frantically forward. The shadows behind him chased faster.


    One or two minutester, one of the shadows was already close to the News Head. With force, the shadow pushed the News Head from behind, causing his center of gravity to shift forward. The News Head stumbled several steps forward and fell to the ground, rolling twice before stopping.


    The silent shadows caught up, lifting their knives or sharpened steel bars, stabbing the News Head''s body repeatedly until the News Heady motionless.


    Perhaps due to the relief aftermitting the murder, these children''s bodies started shaking, and they began sweating profusely. After resting for a while, they took everything from the News Head''s body and left without a trace.


    After about five minutes, Lin Qi emerged from a small grove beside the road. He squatted in front of the News Head, wearing gloves, and checked for his pulse, confirming that he was dead before leaving.


    He didn''t follow those children. He just found it somewhat interesting. Perhaps this was what they called the cycle of retribution?


    ncing back at the News Head''s body on the road, Lin Qi returned to the grove, brought out a bicycle, and leisurely rode back to the city.


    By dawn, someone would pass by and find the News Head lying dead by the roadside.


    Perhaps these people would report it to the authorities, but it was more likely that they''d ignore the body and continue on their way.


    Reporting would mean being investigated by the police, possibly bing suspects in the crime. They might even be restricted from leaving Sabin City freely, which wouldn''t be favorable for many people who needed to travel between cities.


    Any remaining evidence would be destroyed by the indifferent passersby, and even the police wouldn''t know about a person dying on the outskirts of the city.


    Climbing up the fire escape from the back of a small bar, and pushing open the slightly ajar window, Lin Qi returned to his room. After taking a quick shower and simply tidying up, hey down in bed calmly contemting the future, expansion, and taking the first step.


    In fact, the dealings between Lin Qi and Mr. Fox had stirred not only Michael, the ambitious head of the tax investigation team, but also several financialpanies within Sabin City; they had also heard something about it.


    This trade was so transparent that it was challenging to conceal too much information. When people discovered or heard about Mr. Fox depositingrge sums of cash into the bank, they began paying attention to this matter.


    After a few days of observation and learning, some individuals had figured out how Mr. Fox deposited the money into the bank.


    To be honest, there was nothingmendable about this method. Itcked any technicality, and Lin Qi hadn''t considered using less legitimate means to stop these people.


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 30:

    Chapter 30:


    "Mom!"


    The door of the ward was suddenly pushed open by a young man. Mrs. Michael, who was resting on the bed, immediately sat up. The young man walked over and hugged her. A hint of worry and fear appeared on his face.


    He had met with the police early in the morning. They discussed the attack on his motherst night. Fortunately, theirmunity security arrived just in time, and the criminal fled before being able to harm Mrs. Michael.


    After a night''s rest, Mrs. Michael had calmed down. She described the appearance of the assant. The police believed it was an actmitted by someone familiar and thought that Michael Junior might have some clues, like having seen the person before.


    Upon learning that his mother had been attacked by a burr and the burr might be someone he knew, Michael Junior left school early, rushing anxiously to the hospital.


    After the expression on his face disappeared, he reced it with one of anger, a somewhat fierce expression. "I will find that person, I swear!"


    Obviously, Mrs. Michael didn''t want her son to get involved. She held onto Michael Junior''s hand while gently stroking his soft golden-brown hair. His hair color was inherited from Michael; in ces without much light, it looked brown-yellow. But in strong light, it turned into a beautiful golden-brown.


    "The police are more professional than you. We should trust them. Look, I''m fine. I don''t want you to get involved!" Mrs. Michael squeezed Michael''s hand. "I''m okay now. So stay out of this."


    She still remembered the weapon in the man''s hand and his brutality. She didn''t want her child to be the next victim. But sometimes, parents'' words might not enter their children''s hearts, especially a teenager like Michael Junior.


    They felt they had almost the same body as adults, thinking they had the maturity and experience of adults. They often wanted more respect but ended up messing things up.


    In such a cycle, they were more eager to prove they were mature, grown-up, and didn''t need their parents'' control. Thus, they would do things their parents didn''t want them to do to prove that parents might not always be right.


    Michael Juniorforted his mother and promised not to pursue the criminal. At the same time, he agreed to Mrs. Michael''s request to temporarily keep this matter from Michael.


    After all, he was still on an assignment, reportedly a dangerous one. If this matter affected him and caused irreparable consequences, Mrs. Michael would never be at ease. This was exactly what Michael Junior wanted to convey.


    Before Michael returned, he wanted to resolve this matter and let them know that he had grown up and didn''t need to be restricted anymore.


    After seeing his mother, Michael Junior was invited by the police to sit in the police station. They showed him a wanted notice that was being printed by the police for this case.


    "Have you seen this person?" The chief of the case held a cup of coffee in one hand, pointing to the wanted notice posted on the ckboard.


    Ordinarily, such cases would not be supervised by a chief-level officer. But Michael was a "licensed" individual, a public servant. In handling cases involving those people''s home being intruded, there was a tendency to go beyond regr procedures, which was also a way of signaling to the outside world and the federal tax authoritiesindicating that they took this matter seriously, in order to deter potential future criminal acts while safeguarding their own interests.


    Michael Junior looked at the wanted notice on the ckboard, frowned slightly. He didn''t recognize the guy at all. The connection between the News Head and Michael had always been kept discreet, and there were other things aside from this matter that neither Michael nor the News Head wanted to make public.


    Although he didn''t know the person, it didn''t stop him from showing a contemtive look. The chief didn''t interrupt him. After waiting for about four or five minutes, Michael Junior shook his head. "Looks familiar, but I can''t recall where I''ve seen him."


    The chief nodded without expressing much, asked a few more questions, and was about to send Michael Junior away when suddenly he asked, "Can I take this with me? Maybe I''ll remember somethingter." He pointed to the wanted notice.


    This thing was printed in hundreds by the Sabin City Police Department to be distributed to all police stations in the state and federal-level police agencies. One more or one less wasn''t a big deal.


    The chief nodded, set down his coffee cup, tore off the notice, and ced it in Michael Junior''s hand. He earnestly said, "If you remember something, don''t act rashly. Call me first thing!'''' As he spoke, he took out his business card and handed it to Michael Junior.


    After repeatedly promising to call the chief first if he remembered anything, Michael Junior was finally seen off by the chief.


    Watching Michael Junior''s Bull 239 disappear into the traffic flow, the chief couldn''t help but joke with his colleague, "See, our colleagues at the Federal Tax Bureau are really well-paid. Even their kid can afford a 239, while I''m still driving an old man''s car."


    In the Baylor Federation, as long as one was over five feet tall (1.5 meters) and over fifteen years old, one could apply for a driver''s license. These two conditions were necessary - the former to ensure the driver could reach the pedals and thetter considering the applicant''s problem handling capabilities.


    The chief''s colleague smiled but didn''t continue. Everyone knew what those people from the Federal Tax Bureau were like.


    Not all the fines they collected every year would go up. They would always intercept some for various reasons, and moreover, Michael was the head of the investigation team, belonging to the management level. So it was normal.


    Michael Junior didn''t take these people''s words to heart. He was full of a sense of mission now. He had to do something big to show his mother and father and, incidentally, let the jerk who nearly harmed his mother know how capable he was.


    About twenty minutes after the car blended into the traffic, it stopped outside a nightclub called Golden Beverly() - a somewhat renowned establishment in Sabin City. This nightclub held a degree of local fame and was backed by a parentpany with nearly eighty chain stores across the Baylor Federation


    Many people unwilling to soil their hands were willing to spend here due to its legit service. Plus, with Golden Beverly''s background, it was not only safe here but also showcased the status of its guests.


    During the daytime, Golden Beverly wasn''t as lively as it was at night. When Michael Junior entered the hall, only some cleaners were cleaning, and the bartender was taking inventory and reordering supplies.


    The sound of footsteps made the bartender nce back but quickly looked away. He knew Michael Junior, a kid in Sabin City with a bit of ability, an ability that wasn''t his own but came from his father.


    Michael Junior walked to the bar counter and took out the wanted notice, tapping it on the counter. He used his finger to poke the tabletop, making a banging sound. Only then did the bartender turn to look at him.


    "I want to find this person..."


    The bartender nced at the wanted notice and, eyes half-lidded, replied, "You''ll have to go to the police station. We don''t provide that service here."


    Michael Junior looked around and leaned in closer. "I know you have good connections. I''m willing to pay, and this has nothing to do with anyone else."


    The bartender pondered for a moment. "Five thousand. I''ll help you find this person. If you need more information about him, we''ll discuss after I figure out who he is."Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 31:

    Chapter 31:


    In Sabin City, there were a total of twenty-two middle schools, which people often referred to as high schools. There were no junior high schools here, only elementary, middle/high schools, and universities.


    Elementary school students needed to spend nine years in school before advancing to middle school for three years. Afterpleting twelve years of education, they could enter university.


    However, not everyone could attend university. Currently, the university admission rate was still below seventeen percent, primarily due to two reasons.


    One was that the cost of university was still too high for ordinary families, which was unlike elementary and middle schools where costs were rtively lower; not all families could afford the expenses of a four-year university education.


    Another one was that the current state of education was essentially a joke. ording to surveys conducted by certain consulting firms, around ny percent of university students came from private schools rather than public ones.


    The failure of public education, including financial issues within families, ultimately limited people''s opportunities to attend university. Lin Qi was unable to go to university in this manner, even though he diligently filled out the application forms.


    In other words, excelling academically wasn''t crucial for university admission. What was essential was having a family capable of bearing high expenses or having some sort of influence.


    The current president of the Baylor Federation won the election primarily for two reasons. Firstly, he promised to resolve healthcare issues during his term, reducing medical expenses to make healthcare essible to everyone.


    Secondly, he pledged to carry out a new round of educational reforms during his term, increasing the percentage of public high school students entering universities from around ten percent to as close as possible to twenty percent. That was why people chose him.


    However, whether he would fulfill... perhaps it would only be known after his term ended. But there would always be some people who held onto the immature belief that things would miraculously turn for the better at the veryst moment to face this world.


    Of course, there wasn''t absolute despair for the current education system. Every school offered schrships. Compared to the cutthroatpetition in public schools, schrships in private schools were more easily obtainable. The school board could decide who would receive them, which was why sometimes people said power equaled or even surpassed wealth.


    Michael''s son, Michael Junior, was such a "good kid" who managed to receive schrships every year. Academic performance was just one aspect of a student; their life, extracurricr activities, and post-school activities also served as criteria for measuring a student''s performance. At least, he excelled in these three aspects, whichplied with schrship standards.


    Coupled with his family background, Michael Junior had many good friends at school.


    During lunchtime, Michael Junior borrowed three thousand bucks from a friend. However, this amount was far from sufficient. He needed at least two thousand more, but that was already all the money he could borrow from the people in the school.


    For the money he couldn''t borrow, no matter how much he pleaded, others wouldn''t lend it to him.


    Finishing his lunch hastily, he paid little attention to his girlfriend''s attempts to keep him and drove back home.


    At this moment, Mrs. Michael had not yet returned from the hospital. To prevent the criminal from returning to harm Mrs. Michael again, she remained at the hospital under police protection.


    Many criminals had an inexplicable penchant for silencing witnesses. The chief officer feared this, hence there was no one in Michael''s home.


    Upon returning home, Michael Junior began searching every nook and cranny for cash. Mrs. Michael was a full-time homemaker, meaning she kept plenty of loose change at home for emergencies.


    Soon, Michael Junior found several hundred bucks in loose change. However, it wasn''t enough to cover the bartender''s fee. He hesitated for a moment, then opened Michael''s study.


    When Michael was home, he didn''t allow Michael Junior to enter the study without permission. Sometimes there would be some case files or evidence brought back for investigation lying around casually. Once these items were damaged, it would significantly impede the case investigation and unfairly implicate Michael. However, now, these were no longer enough to deter Michael Junior from seeking vengeance for his mother while proving his own ability.


    He stood at the door for a while, then cautiously entered the room. Although he knew Michael wasn''t at home, he was still extremely cautious.


    He casually looked around before focusing on the desk. He had seen Michael asionally stash change in the drawer. Not everyone liked carrying too many coins as they deformed clothes and made one ufortable.


    He sequentially opened the drawers and found the money he needed. However, he wasn''t satisfied and continued to explore until he opened the second-tost drawer, where he found a gold ring beneath a document that had a noticeable bump.


    He held the ring in his hand, initially intending to put it back, thinking it might belong to Michael or Mrs. Michael. However, during the process of returning it, he noticed an inscription on the inner ring.


    Curiosity led him to read it under the light: "My Dearest Catherine."


    Michael Junior was momentarily stunned. It was clear that Mrs. Michael''s name wasn''t Katherine, nor was Michael likely to be called "Katherine" by anyone. Thus, it was undoubtedly someone else''s ring, at least prepared to be given to someone else.


    The injury Mrs. Michael sufferedst night, and his exhaustive efforts to investigate the truth - all shattered in front of this clearly betraying ring.


    Anger surged within Michael Junior; they were under threat, yet the head of the family, Michael, had betrayed them!


    His initial thought of returning the ring vanished. He clenched the ring in his hand, and after a moment of silence, he decided to use his somewhat immature yet feignedly mature mind to devise a n for himself.


    He wanted to destroy this ring that could potentially disrupt his family harmony. Pretending to be mature, he wanted to give Michael, his father, a chance to redeem himself for the family, just as depicted in many TV shows.


    At that moment, he felt he had grown up, matured, and wasn''t as naive anymore. It seemed only natural for him to destroy the evidence.


    If he sold this ring, he could gather almost enough money.


    Sometimeter, Michael Junior appeared outside an antique shop. He learned from his father and his colleagues'' conversation that some antique shops were involved in selling stolen goods.


    They never questioned the origins of items,beled them as antiques, and then purchased them while issuing receipts.


    The antique shop he found was on the other side of the city. The reason he ran so far was to avoid being recognized by the shop''s owner. This was his inexplicable way of considering himself mature.


    "A gold ring..." The antique shop owner, appearing to be in his fifties with a receding hairline, wearing a brown short-sleeved shirt, inspected the rolling gold ring in his hand and read the inscription inside it. He then looked up at Michael Junior. "How much are you selling it for?"


    Michael Junior was somewhat nervous; it was his first time doing such a thing. He didn''t want to appear childish and aimed to seem as mature as possible. Feigningposure, he said, "At least five hundred bucks! It''s pure gold!"


    The antique shop owner sneered, "Just because you say it''s pure gold doesn''t mean it is. I need to test it with fire. Wait a minute!" Without waiting for Michael Junior''s agreement, he took the ring and turned to walk into a room behind him.


    A truly experienced person would have noticed some issues. No one would let a ring out of their sight except those immature individuals pretending to be mature.


    The antique shop owner quietly picked up the phone in the back room and dialed a private number.


    "Someone''s selling a ring... Yes, the one you mentionedst time. I understand. I''ll keep him upied."


    The antique shop conducted its illicit sales openly because they were "cooperating" with the police or investigative bureau agents.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 32:

    Chapter 32:


    People''s perception, experience, and need for beauty rank just below their need for wealth and power.


    In some societal strata where acquiring wealth and power is unattainable, the pursuit of beauty supersedes these two elements and bes the primary goal.


    Lin Qi''s handsomeness was also a kind of beauty. When that police officer began to feel a fondness for Lin Qi and empathized with him due to his distress over losing the ring intended for his girlfriend, feeling a simr sense of frustration, everything started to change.


    Of course, even without these changes, Lin Qi would have continued his n. Just as he was about to call the police from a telephone booth near the antique shop to report a fencing deal, a car with police lights but no siren parked outside the shop.


    Two police officers got out of the car, with one of them even pulling out a handgun. It appeared they were here for duty.


    This left Lin Qi somewhat perplexed. He hung up the phone, hesitating. He had surveilled Michael''s home from morning to noon, unsure if Michael Jr. had obtained the ring. It now appeared things were moreplex than he anticipated.


    Considering re-entering Michael''s house to check if the gold ring was still there, Lin Qi saw Michael Jr. being escorted by two police officers, handcuffed. Witnessing this scene, Lin Qi sighed in relief, feeling his efforts were all worth it.


    He had chased after Michael Jr.''s car on his bicycle. If not for the conspicuous Bull, he might have missed it at thest intersection. Thankfully, the orange base and crimson me patterns made it strikingly visible along the entire street, enabling Lin Qi to find his target at a nce.


    Michael Jr. would never have thought that this gold ring would lead him being arrested, let alone be arrested in a different police jurisdiction because he ran too far, ending up in another police district.


    In each city of the Baylor Federation, there existed a municipal police station. These stations were usually near the city hall and mainly handled administrative work. In other words, municipal police stations managed rather than handled frontline duties.


    The actual frontline work was managed by various precincts, such as the Sabin City xxx street precinct or specific district precincts, each with its jurisdiction. They would not cross jurisdictions or interfere with other precinct'' operations.


    Each precinct appeared independent, but some things were shared, like certain information.


    Michael Jr.''s actions put himself in trouble. If he had sold the gold ring at an antique shop near his residence, the local precinct would have been responsible for the arrest. Ultimately, he would meet the police chief he encountered that morning. This could have allowed for some maneuvering ormunication.


    However, he did not do this. Being arrested after crossing more than one precinct, the police in this precinct knew nothing about him. Naturally, they wouldn''t sit down for a friendly chat with a home intruder, nor would they listen to his nonsense - every criminal arrested by the police would im innocence until all evidence was presented in court.


    The next step involved waiting and strategizing. Lin Qi rode his bike back to the warehouse area, anticipating the police ''summons.'' This time, it wasn''t about being investigated but rather assisting in the investigation. He would surelyply with the police''s requests, even taking the initiative to clear Michael''s name. Yes, he was just a kind-hearted and upright individual; he would never falsely use others.


    Just returning to the warehouse, he noticed Vera''s mood seemed a bit off. As a considerate young man, he proactively inquired.


    "You seem unwell," he said, approaching Vera with a cup of hot milk and cing it on the table in front of her. "Maybe you''re not used to warm milk, but trust me, it''s good for you."


    After saying a ''thank you,'' Vera took a sip of the warm milk. For her, this was quite a rare experience. In the Baylor Federation and even throughout the whole world, people didn''t have the habit of consuming heated liquids. Even girls lying on the delivery bed would gulp down some cold drinks with ice cubes inside.


    As the first sip of warm milk, apanied by a strong milk fragrance, entered Vera''s mouth, the warmth slightly above body temperature spreadfortingly throughout her body, surprising her.


    She never thought warm milk would taste this goodricher and morefortable than refrigerated or room-temperature milk.


    "Thank you." Setting down the cup, she thanked him again. "I''m fine, thank you for your concern. I just... can I be alone for a while?"


    Lin Qi shrugged and left her side. "Of course, but if you need anything, be sure to call me."


    After exchanging nces, Lin Qi left straightaway, while an unnoticed sense of mncholy emanated from Vera''s face.


    Last night, upon returning home, she found her husband drunk again. These days he always came home inebriated. Vera understood that it was an opportunity for Gap. Once he received the management approval to be thepany''s partner, her family''s status would change significantly.


    She was understanding and caring towards her husband, feeling deeply concerned about him. Drinking so much alcohol every day wasn''t good for his health, but she couldn''t persuade him. Gap was a staunch traditionalist and the head of the household; she couldn''t sway him.


    Last night, while changing her husband into his pajamas as hey on the bed asleep, she unexpectedly found several lipstick marks on his buttocks.


    In that moment, her heart felt like it had been torn apart by lightning, and she almost couldn''t breathe.


    She never thought she would face such a day. She wasn''t as naive as the child currently exining things at the police station, thinking this was just a "joke" between his dad''s colleagues.


    When his pants were down, it was no longer a joke.


    Dazedly, she changed Gap''s clothes and nervously wiped away the evidence as if she had done something wrong. Though she tried to appear as usual, her heart was already in disarray.


    She needed distance and somewhere she could think clearly. Today, she arrived especially early, feeling as if she was drowning in despair, her soul almost freezing.


    Instinctively sipping the warn milk, the warmth it brought to her body slightlyforted her. However, she didn''t know what to do, her mind in disarray.


    Divorce?


    Even if she managed to leave Gap, he wouldn''t allow it. It was a hypocritical society, where people didn''t actually care about family situations but used the harmony and happiness of the family as one of the measurements of a sessful person.


    From thepany''s management level to the president of this federation, they all continuously emphasize the value and role of family for themselves and for society.


    Now was the period when Gap was trying to climb up the careerdder. He wouldn''t agree, and even if he did, what about the kid?


    Doubt is the cancer of trust. Once the seed of doubt is nted, all trust begins to copse. Every time Gap workedte or went out before, in Vera''s mind at this moment, they seemed to be pretexts for an affair.


    She even felt her marriage was a deception!


    She felt her whole world was falling apart and she was about to copse.


    The more pessimistic one was, the more likely they would imagine things as extremely bad. Vera quickly finished the warm milk in her hand. As the warmth dispersed within her body, gradually cooling without new heat, her breathing became sharp.


    Every breath forced her to straighten her body, as if she were drowning, suffocating.


    Her vision also grew dim. She wanted to cry for help, but her instinct gave her a signal that was, in reality, incorrect As soon as she speaks up, she would be engulfed by a flood.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 33:

    Chapter 33:


    Rashly stepping into someone else''s life isn''t a clever choice. It''s akin to feeling a difort in your nasal passage, and suddenly, someone extends their hand to pick your nose.


    Setting aside whether they can hit the right spot or if it brings any relief, your initial reaction is pure disgust. It''s because they dared to use their fingers to pick your nose.


    Emotions, life, and family are simr. Lin Qi looked at Vera, who seemed to be drowning, lightly embraced her, and then released her, asking with concern, "Are you okay? You seem to be in a terrible state right now..."


    Her face and lips were slightly pale, as if she had experienced a severe shock. She looked up at Lin Qi, quickly averted her gaze, and began packing her things. "I have some matters to attend to. I need to take a leave. I hope you''ll approve..."


    She wiped away tears while fiddling with various personal items. Lin Qi nodded in agreement, "Of course, it''s your right. And also..."


    Vera looked up at him, and he looked back at her. "If you need any help, give me a call."


    Grateful, Vera briefly gripped Lin Qi''s arm, then swiftly stood up and left. Gap had another social engagement today. She felt that witnessing certain things first hand might be better. Maybe... she needed an excuse to deceive herself and let life continue.


    Possibly, she wasn''t ready to admit this fact. She needed to find evidence to contradict herself.


    After Vera left, Lin Qi waited for about three hours. During that time, Richard and his two other salesmen hade to the office twice. They were umting more money and exchanging it at an increasingly rapid pace. Everyone was doing the same.


    Whether the other two individuals provided Richard with some advantages or for other reasons, Richard disclosed how he managed to convert all the money into loose change so quickly. As a result, transactions between Lin Qi and Mr. Fox became more frequent.


    After 3:30 PM, Lin Qi instructed them to continue collecting and return for exchange the next morning. After double-checking the money, he handed it over to Mr. Fox''s representatives and also had a brief conversation with Mr. Fox over the phone.


    "Lin Qi, my friend, do you know that many people in Sabin City are depositing money into banks using your method?" Mr. Fox''s tone remained calm, simply stating an existing reality.


    As more of Mr. Fox''s money flowed rapidly into the banks of Sabin City, those in the industry had more or less figured out how he was doing it. They began following Mr. Fox''s approach, converting money into change and depositing it in banks after taxes.


    The key difference was they didn''t involve an "intermediary" like Mr. Fox, avoiding the additional ten percent transaction fee.


    Some among his associates had repeatedly inquired why Mr. Fox maintained a good trading rtionship with Lin Qi instead of directly exchanging the loose change. They calcted that in this way, he could save ten percent, and the pace would be somewhat even faster. Moreover, ten percent of money numbering in the hundreds of thousands or even millions was not a small figure.


    Though tempted, Mr. Fox hadn''t taken the step like those people. He shared this information with Lin Qi, seeking his perspective.


    Lin Qi felt Mr. Fox lived up to his name. After a moment of contemtion, he said over the phone, "Mr. Fox, it''s hard to find a mosquito among a thousand flies, but finding a fly among a thousand mosquitoes is quite simple."


    "When we are the only ones doing it, nobody will pay attention to our actions; we''re just a minority after all. However, when everyone joins in, they will only force certain people to act."


    "This will spark a war. My only advice to you..." He chuckled softly. "Don''t take money from others. Soon enough, you''ll understand why I say this."


    Mr. Fox, feeling somewhat concerned after listening, asked, "Should we pause for a while?"


    "No, there''s no need. We''re conducting legal business. Why stop? I actually hope they investigate our transactions. It could clear any doubts about us."


    Lin Qi didn''t finish his words. If the Federal Tax Bureau investigated him without finding anything, it would be a form of unconventional advertising, potentially increasing people''s inclination to coborate with him. However, Mr. Fox didn''t need to know these details.


    After exchanging a few irrelevant words, they hung up. Lin Qi nced at the phone, shook his head, and began handling tasks that Vera would have typically managed.


    Vera had taught him how to register his ie. The business operations of the Great Empire were currently straightforward, so it wasn''t overlyplicated.


    After taking the money to the tax bureau for verification and then depositing it into the bank, with the registration proof from the tax bureau, this portion of his money could seamlessly enter the legal cirction system of the bank.


    When Richard and his associates came tomorrow to exchange the loose change, he would simply write a cash check. Carrying too much cash wasn''t safe.


    This approach aimed to avoid potential loopholes and further refine his personal financial transactions. When the bank assessed his credit in the future, it would likely be higher ordingly.


    Later in the evening, he returned to the second floor of the small bar.


    The scorching summer had finally arrivedte, and the temperature kept rising. Without an air conditioner or a fan, this street-facing house felt like it was about to turn into a steamer.


    With the temperature increasing, more people came in the evening to enjoy cold drinks. Coupled with the dancers performing more energetically, the bar stayed open until around eleven or twelve every night.


    The noisy environment began to wear on Lin Qi. Considering the substantial amount of money he now had, he contemted buying a house, which would be far superior in terms of security and conveniencepared to the current ce.


    As he pondered about the type of house to buy and its price, a knock interrupted his thoughts.


    He sat up, grabbed a screwdriver, and stood by the door, softly asking, "Who''s there?"


    "Police, sir. We''d like to have a talk with you." Lin Qi casually ced the screwdriver in the pocket of his nearby clothing and opened the door slightly, revealing two police officers in uniform standing outside.


    Slightly impatiently, one of them disyed their badge and informed Lin Qi that they were officers from the Sabin City Police Department.


    Lin Qi opened the door wider, weing the two officers inside. They looked around casually but stopped near the entrance.


    "Lin Qi?" one of the officers asked.


    After Lin Qi nodded, the officer took out a small notebook and a pen, proceeding to inquire further, "A few days ago, your apartment got broken in?"


    Lin Qi nodded again, providing precise timings and the responding police precinct, which matched the information the officers had.


    "I''ve read the incident report. It mentioned a stolen silver ring..."


    "No, it was a gold ring, officer!" Lin Qi decisively interrupted the officer and added, "Inside the ring, there''s an engraving My Dearest Catherine.'' It was meant to be a gift for my girlfriend."


    The two officers exchanged nces, essentially confirming that there weren''t any issues with Lin Qi''s statement. This meant that the guy they arrested today was the culprit.


    In the afternoon, they had identified Michael Junior''s identity and family background. Surprisingly, Michael Junior turned out to be the only child of the head of the tax bureau investigation team, whichplicated matters for the precinct chief.


    They had already reported the solved burry case to other precincts and the state police department, including inputting Michael Junior''s personal information and his photograph. The information spread quickly, and almost the entire state''s police force was now updated on this case''s progress.


    The assistant chief (Note 1.) of the Sabin City Police Department - the administrative deputy chief of the police department - felt it would be best if they could settle with Lin Qi privately. Not because the police were afraid of Michael; an investigation team leader didn''t have the clout to make an entire police department fear him. It was to avoid potential conflicts.


    He even hinted to the officers that if Lin Qi agreed to drop the case, he could receive some benefits topensate for his loss. That was the purpose behind the visit of the two officers.


    Note 1. In the Sabin City Police Department, the Assistant Chief served as the administrative deputy to the police chief, a role akin to the deputy chief of police found only in first-tier cities in the Baylor Federation. There were only twenty first-tier cities, excluding Sabin City.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 34:

    Chapter 34:


    Two police officers stood at the door of the room and exchanged a nce. One of them, who was jotting down some information, closed his notebook and stopped writing. "We have good news. We''ve apprehended the person who took your belongings. However, you''ll need toe and identify them. Do you understand what I mean?"


    He didn''t use crucial terms like ''theft'' or ''burry,'' opting for ''took,'' softening the nature of the case for Lin Qi while exerting pressure.


    Not everyone had the courage to identify criminals. Statistics fromst year indicated that around 61.94% of witnesses were unwilling to identify criminals, with over 77.53% of them unwilling to testify in court.


    This revealed a lot. It could be seen as a consequence of the deteriorating public security by the Baylor Federation or as a result of the brazenness of criminal forces.


    In any case,pelling someone to identify a criminal undoubtedly increased witness pressure. But Lin Qi was not those people; he immediately changed into different clothes. "What are we waiting for?"


    The two police officers were somewhat unclear about Lin Qi''s situation, but they did hope for a "satisfactory" resolution.


    On their way to the police station, the cop sitting in the passenger seat talked about the "culprit" they had apprehended.


    "It''s a young student. He denies having done these things, and we don''t have enough evidence to firmly nail him..."


    That statement was neither entirely correct nor entirely wrong. They were treating Lin Qi like an outsider. In the police station, if they deemed someone a criminal and felt it necessary, manipting the evidence a bit could easily frame the person. Obviously, that wasn''t their intention this time.


    The cop nced sideways at Lin Qi. "I think we should give that kid a chance. The evidence in this case isn''t strong enough and could ruin his future."


    He paused. "You haven''t been harmed much, and your losses are limited. If he''s willing topensate you, I think you two should talk."


    After saying this, the police officer turned back. He had said what he needed to; the oue wasn''t something a frontline officer like him could decide.


    For the two officers in the car, how Lin Qi chose to proceed didn''t really matter to them. After all, even if the sky fell, it wouldn''t hit them. They were simply trying to follow orders as much as possible.


    During the rest of the drive, they didn''t exchange further words with Lin Qi until the car stopped at the police station.


    "Have you made up your mind, young man?" a policeman asked as he led him toward the main office building of the police station, opening the door to the lobby for him.


    Lin Qi calmly nodded. "Maybe I should indeed talk to him."


    "A wise choice." The policeman patted his shoulder and guided him towards an interrogation room. A faint smile appeared on his face, and in a low voice, he said, "You can take a bite out of him like a lion, pull some money from him. He''s a rich brat, at least wealthier than us. Do you know what I mean?"


    Lin Qi nodded in understanding. The policeman, satisfied, stood outside the interrogation room, and opened the door. "We''ve turned off the recording system. Remember to knock when you''re done. I''ll be waiting outside." He said in a low voice again.


    Such good-hearted people were rare. Lin Qi nodded firmly and entered the room.


    In fact, by this point, the entire process at the police station had been thoroughly botched. Before appearing in court, the victim and the used, or the intiff and defendant, shouldn''t meet. However, some things just happened like that.


    Rules were rules, and reality was reality.


    The interrogation room contained only a table and four chairs, firmly fixed to the ground. Michael Junior sat despondently on one side of the table.


    His arrival made Michael Junior look up,pletely perplexed. He couldn''t fathom why the ring from his father''s drawer turned out to be stolen goods. This realization momentarily relieved him but also put him on high alert.


    This ring wasn''t evidence of Michael''s betrayal to the family, but its questionable origin implied potential criminal involvement on his father''s part. He felt a struggle and pain within himself, unsure of what to do, while simultaneously feeling empathy for Michael''s challenges.


    The police had also spoken with him, mentioning they would summon the person who reported the crime. If he could persuade the reporter to drop the case, then after paying the bail, he could leave directly.


    This incident wouldn''t tarnish his record if the case were dropped, and for a certain period, as long as he didn''tmit further crimes, all the information would be sealed away where the general public couldn''t ess it.


    When Michael Junior saw Lin Qi, he opened his mouth, then closed it. He didn''t know how to begin.


    Children of his age often had very clear moralpasses. He saw Lin Qi as the "victim" and suddenly felt dirty because he was attempting to obstruct justice and fairness, like certain people he disliked.


    The feeling of shame rendered him speechless, only able to remain silent with his head lowered, waiting for Lin Qi''s conditions.


    Whatever conditions Lin Qi presented, as long as they weren''t too extreme, he would agree. It wasn''t entirely his fault, but he wanted to atone for his father.


    He wasn''t clear why Michael stole Lin Qi''s ring, but the deed had been done. Arguing about it further was pointless. He needed to offer sufficientpensation to Lin Qi and protect his father.


    However, sometimes, young people were reluctant to acknowledge their naivety and would eventually be struck in the face by reality.


    After Lin Qi sat down and paused briefly, "I didn''te here to discuss how much money can resolve this matter," Surprised, Michael Junior lifted his head. And Lin Qi continued, "Don''t think that because you have money, you can manipte justice. Even if the case goes to the state court, I won''tpromise!"


    Lin Qi''s statement made Michael Junior realize that things weren''t progressing as he had initially thought. People were dramatic; a moment ago, he was trapped in a self-inflicted sense of moral degradation. Now, Lin Qi''s refusal topromise shook him to his core!


    Before he could speak, Lin Qi continued, "Everyone is responsible for their actions, whether you''re a student or anyone else. Even if you''re a government official, you must face justice."


    "The court, the judge, and the public will give you a fair trial. No matter how high you stand, when the judge''s gavel falls, you''ll be brought down. The higher you stand, the harder you''ll fall."


    Sweat started to trickle down Michael Junior''s face. He hadn''t fully immersed himself in the role of a suspected criminal but had instead ced his father, Michael, in that position.


    This brought about an indescribable struggle, conflict, and pain within him. He could imagine everything that would happen if Michael were convicted in court. Their family would be ruined in an instant.


    "Is there... no room for negotiation?" His voice was tinged with bitterness and a hint of hope.


    Lin Qi shook his head. "If I broke into your house, took your most precious possession, then pped you with a stack of cash, telling you to forget it, would you ept that?"


    Michael Junior fell silent. His emotions were incredibly low. Lin Qi faintly smiled and then stood up.


    "I came here just to tell you my stance, there''s no room forpromise. I don''t want your dirty money, and don''t look down on others!" With that, he got up, walked to the door, knocked, and left amidst the puzzled gazes of the police.


    Soon, the police came in, looking at the dejected Michael Junior, baffled. "Have you settled things?"


    Michael Junior sighed heavily. He knew their current life, family, and social status all depended on Michael''s job.


    Once Michael was reported and convicted, even if he didn''t go to prison, his job would be finished. The Federal Tax Bureau wouldn''t want someone with a tainted record in management. If Michael lost his job, they would have to move out of the middle-ssmunity to the poorer residential area.


    Their future would be shrouded in gloom. Keeping Michael''s job intact was crucial for their family''s stability. Michael Junior even envisioned how Michael might find a way to pull him out and provide him with a new identity to start over elsewhere.


    Compared to implicating Michael, Michael Junior made a decision. He took a deep breath and looked at the police. "I confess. I admit Imitted burry..."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 35:

    Chapter 35:


    Meanwhile, Michael in Kund City was still busy at work. This time, Kund City invited their assistance in investigating the financial criminal case involving the EverBright Group (). As the head of the Federal Tax Bureau''s investigation team, Michael quickly discovered some irregrities.


    It wasn''t that he found specific clues about the EverBright Group; rather, he noticed some issues within the evidence already collected by Kund City.


    In simpler terms, certain evidence had procedural errors in its collection, and some data sources within the evidence were questionable.


    Whether it was a tax case or a regr criminal case, essentially, it was a process of umtion, a process from quantity to quality.


    Investigators needed to slowly gather clues, form evidence, then string this evidence together into aplete chain to ultimately bring the used to the trial bench.


    The entire process was interdependent, yet the clues and evidence he observed had some minor ws.


    However, he didn''t mention it. Such urrences were normal. Until the issue of the legality of evidence collection became a public concern, when higher-ups were determined to make certain individuals pay a price, no one would pay attention to whether the evidence gathering waswful or not.


    Michael himself thought that this might be rted to the EverBright Group itself, being a multinational corporation involving foreign investments. The wealthy capitalists associated with the Baylor Federation were never straightforward businesspeople. Their abilities in other aspects far exceeded their actual business management skills.


    Suddenly, the phone on his desk rang, startling him. Given the gravity of the case, the investigation team had to adhere to confidentiality principles, meaning no externalmunication was allowed, and individuals couldn''t leave their workstations or be out of sight of the team.


    Michael hadn''t even considered that the phone on his desk would ring.


    He hesitated for a moment, then answered it. He noticed several locals immediately staring at him, the kind of gaze that didn''t care whether he noticed it or not.


    It was his wife on the line. He tiptoed the floor, rotating his office chair to have his back facing away from the others. "Honey, is there anything that can''t wait for me toe back to discuss?"


    His wife, unable to withstand the pressure of the past few days, burst into tears, speaking of what had happened to their son, Michael Junior.


    Shocked, Michael abruptly stood up. "How could this happen? What has been happening while I''ve been away these past few days?"


    After a moment, he slumped back into his chair. His partner approached with some concern, silently watching him without saying a word.


    A minute or twoter, Michael nced at his partner and said, "I have to go back; something has happened at home."


    His partner didn''t stop him. They were colleagues of over a decade, knowing that if Michael was leaving his post, it was because something significant had urred. Advising him otherwise would be futile.


    The two found the director of the Federal Tax Bureau in Kund City, and Michael recounted what had happened at his home. The director had already received reports from his subordinates and had originally been considering how to refuse Michael''s request to leave.


    In the past few days, everyone had seen Michael''s exceptional work abilities. He was absolutely top-notch at the kind of work the investigation team often dealt with.


    Compared to the "investigators" and "agents," two levels of tax workers, the investigation team disyed a higher level ofprehensive ability. Michael and his team significantly expedited the handling of cases.


    Now, Michael had to leave. The efficiency of his team might slow down without him, as theycked a leader who was already ustomed to their operations.


    However, the incidents at Michael''s home left the director no choice but to approve his departure. Almost losing his wife to an assault in the middle of the night and having his son inexplicably thrown into jailthis wasn''t merely a matter of offense; it was brewing enmity.


    The director of Kund City sighed, consenting to Michael''s departure, thankful that only he was leaving. His partner would stay behind to take over Michael''s work, hoping they could maintain their current pace.


    Michael didn''t linger; he packed his things and embarked on the journey back to Sabin City overnight. The darkness of the wilderness didn''t slow down his car; instead, it prompted him to press the elerator harder.


    Meanwhile, in a vastly different environment, Gap was discussing work matters with several management members of thepany.


    They were in a rather exclusive private cluba ce that only epted invited guests. Regardless of one''s wealth or status, if uninvited, they wouldn''t gain entry.


    After a brief shower, a few gentlemen entered the sauna room. Once the door closed, Gap took the initiative, scooping adle of cold water onto the heated stones.


    Instantly, bubbles surfaced on the stone''s eroded surface, and a surge of steam filled the entire room, seemingly elevating the temperature by several degrees.


    "That''s enough..." someone in the steam instructed. Gap put down thedle and sat on the lowest wooden step.


    "Gap..."


    "Yes, sir!"


    Seated at the top, a board member leaned back, his face covered with a towel soaked in ice-cold water. This method allowed him to sweat from the heat without feeling suffocated.


    The scalding steam posed some obstruction to breathing and could make one feel ufortable. However, covering the face with a towel soaked in icy water could create a sensation of entering a whole new world.


    His voice was somewhat muffled through the towel, "I''ve discussed your situation with the board. They don''t object to your promotion as a new partner in the group, but you need to demonstrate your capability."


    The sauna room fell into a brief silence. Gap''s breathing seemed to intensify.


    After about a dozen seconds, the person at the top continued, "EverBright has recently gotten into a lot of trouble. It doesn''t concern us directly, but there are some business dealings between our two entities."


    "Sigh... who could have foreseen that EverBright would suddenly get into such big trouble? Some of our ounts might not be very clear. You should resolve these issues as soon as possible so I can advocate for you at the board meeting. Do you understand?"


    The person removed the towel from their face, and the once icy-cool towel began to feel warm, making it lessfortable.


    This man seemed to be around forty, with a decent appearance and a considerable demeanor. He nced at Gap, who slightly lowered his head.


    Forrgepanies like the conglomerate where Gap worked, a local economic pir in Sabin City, if there were some unresolved minor issues in the ounts, the tax system would often turn a blind eye.


    As long as they dutifully paid most of their taxes each month into the Federal Tax Bureau''s ount, these minor errors would go unnoticed.


    There was no need to hassle a major taxpayer over insignificant matters. If they were pushed to the brink, who would contribute such substantial tax revenues, achievements, and job opportunities?


    However, the current situation was different. EverBright''s scandal even involved congressmen, and being a multinationalpany made it sensitive. Sometimes, the federal government would directly assign high-level task forces to handle the final cleanup.


    For those investigators entrenched in higher echelons, the life or death of individuals at the lower levels had no direct relevance to them. They wouldn''t gain anything significant by being lenient, nor would they lose anything by being severe.


    Instead, if they could poke more holes, it was not only an achievement for them but also provided substantial fines to the federal government.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 36:

    Chapter 36:


    After a period of discreet discussion in the sauna room, the group came out, anticipating the activities arranged for them by Gap.


    As a less renowned second-tier city, Sabin City had certain advantages iparable to metropolitan areas, yet in other aspects, it didn''t necessarily pale inparison.


    Choosing this venue for discussions was primarily for secrecy. The private club,bined with the near nudity of the sauna room, steam, and distorted sounds, made it exceedingly difficult for anyone to leave behind any trace of their presence, even if they intended to.


    Following discussions that might potentially raise certain issues, the group left, preparing to return to their normal nightlife.


    The beauty of the cityy in its abundant wealth and vibrant nights, something rural areas could never match. Consequently, a significant poption gravitated towards urban centers.


    Within a short span of a few years, the poption of the Baylor Federation City had at least doubled, if not more.


    While clubs served their purpose, they were limited to discussions or simple rxation. Maintaining standards was crucial for these private clubs, and they would never easilypromise the rules they had set for themselves.


    Seated in thest car, Gap, upon the driver''s reminder, nced back at a car trailing behind them, suddenly furrowing his brow.


    Had it not been for the driver''s prompt, he might not have sensed someone tailing them.


    Private investigation wasn''t part of Baylor Federation''s judicial system; it belonged to a spontaneously formed upation within the civilian sector. Yet, once registered and documented, the evidence they collected could be admissible in various cases as long as it met judicial standards.


    There existed a public misconceptionmost evidence in the hands of private investigators wasn''t gathered throughwful means. However, they knew how to legitimize these pieces of evidence through falsification, sometimes even local judicial systems relied on their assistance to supplement evidence. Hence, few bothered to scrutinize the source of evidence held by private investigators.


    Moreover, the significant difference between private investigators and the police was that thetter wouldn''t tail individuals or rummage through trash bins for you, nor would they call you "Boss" just because you paid them.


    However, private investigators would. They had be, alongsidewyers, ountants, and dentists, one of Baylor Federation''s most prominent industriesspecifically denoting their money-making capabilities.


    Vera had her own private funds, being a certified ountant in an ounting firm. Gap also provided her with an additional sum monthly for household expenses, allowing her to save some money.


    She had hired a private investigator affiliated with the firm to investigate the matter. Cases rted to infidelity intrigued not onlywyers but also private investigators.


    With appropriate photos, each picture could fetch a considerable price, regardless of the employer''s intentionsthese photos and negatives had to be purchased.


    The car trailing them suddenly turned onto a side road from the main thoroughfare. Though it felt odd, Gap decided to follow.


    Momentster, the car Gap was in emerged from that alley. Seated in the back, he fiddled with a roll of film, his expression understandably grim.


    Meanwhile, the private investigatory in a sorry state amid a heap of garbage.


    In the early hours of the morning, somewhat intoxicated, Gap returned home. He removed his tie, discarded his jacket, and pushed open the bedroom door.


    The bedsidemp was still on, and Vera hadn''t slept. She sat by the edge of the bed, wearing aplex expressionsome resentment mixed with a hint of anticipation.


    "Back already?" Vera snapped back to attention as soon as the door opened, realizing Gap had been drinking. He had been doing so for a while now. She walked over to assist him, but Gap recoiled.


    He went to a chair near the window, took out a roll of film from his pocket, and mmed it onto the table. Looking calmly at Vera, he softly said, "You had someone follow me, take photos of me!"


    He shook his head. "Your suspicion is disheartening, dear. How could you doubt me?"


    Vera remained silent for a moment, then met Gap''s eyes. But in his eyes, she couldn''t find the outstanding young man she once knewonly endless lies, arrogance, and deceit.


    Suddenly, she too felt a wave of disappointment. Gap taking this matter so seriously confirmed Vera''s suspicions. It all seemed quite meaningless to her now.


    "Last night, there were lipstick marks on your butt..."


    With that sentence, the room''s atmosphere changed instantly. Gap, initially ready to ''use'' Vera, suddenly lost his vigor, almost disappearing. His eyes flickered with realization for a moment, then he pped his forehead.


    "Any questions you have, just ask me directly. Why resort to such methods? Don''t you know me?" He started making excuses, trying to exin himself. "Do you know when that guy followed me, I was with a board member from thepany? He was incredibly unhappy. You nearly ruined our future!"


    The driver of the car he was in worked for thepany, and that board member was now aware of the situation. Gap had a hard time exining for a while before finally gaining the other party''s trust.


    The board member, half smiling, cautioned Gap about handling personal matters well, not to let private affairs affect thepany''s operations, and warned himthis was his only chance.


    This incident led Gap to finally decide to talk to Vera. If she continued dispatching private investigators or the like, things could get worse. She had to stop!


    Vera was deeply disappointed. She looked at Gap and questioned, "Family or your careerwhich is more important?" Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Moreover, that''s not an excuse for your infidelity. If you think your job gives you the liberty to fool around, what does that make me?"


    Gap remained silent, offering no response. She turned, picked up the nket and pillow, and walked to the bedroom door. Pausing there, she nced back at Gap, not saying a word, as she opened the door with one hand.


    She realized she disyed more courage than she had imagined, at least not exhibiting the expected explosive anger or the world-copsing despair after confirming her husband''s infidelity. She suddenly found herself somewhat frightening at this momentor rather, she didn''t know how to articte that feeling. Being a wife and not feeling as enraged as expected after confirming her husband''s infidelity made her realize she might not love this man as much as she thought.


    In reality, most families were like this. When love turned into family bonds after marriage, strong emotions gradually subsided, ultimately transforming into emotions vastly different from love.


    Some described this as familial affection, but others viewed it as merely numbness.


    "Now is a critical period for me..." Gap brought up this reason again. "Don''t you want a bigger house, higher social status, more money, a better life?"


    He opened his hands, wearing a pained expression. "I do this not just for myself but for this family. Some social engagements are indeed dirty, but they''re inevitable! Vera, you take things too seriously!"


    Vera pulled open the door, standing outside it. Both of them locked eyes for a moment. Vera shook her head, "You disgust me!"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 37:

    Chapter 37:


    In the morning, after exchanging more than seven thousand bucks in change, Lin Qi received a call from Mr. Fox. Thetter wished to meet and discuss matters ahead.


    After some consideration, Lin Qi agreed to Mr. Fox''s invitation.


    Shortly afterward, at a somewhat remote farm, Lin Qi met Mr. Fox. Today, Mr. Fox was not dressed in expensive attire; instead, he wore a set of blue-gray denim clothes and rubber overalls. When Lin Qi met him, he was just carrying arge stack of hay into the stable. The weather was getting hotter, and under the sun, the horse and cow manure, possibly from other animals too, emitted a strong odor, yet Mr. Fox showed no sign of difort.


    After waiting for seven or eight minutes, Mr. Fox emerged from the stable, apologizing.


    After the two walked to a shaded area behind the stable, Mr. Fox rinsed the dirt off his rubber overalls with a water hose, expressing some nostalgia, "Before I entered this industry, both my father and I believed I would be an outstanding farmer."


    His face carried a reminiscing expression. More than twenty years ago, he wasn''t the respected Mr. Fox that everyone knew now; he was just Fox boy from the countryside.


    At that time, he had just gotten married, and the economic fruits of Baylor Federation''s umtion over many years began to explosively manifest. As every sector experienced immense growth, many extolled the virtues of the city, as if it were a ce filled with money, where bending down a little could make one a big boss in no time.


    The entire society was filled with this kind of sentiment. Mr. Fox also wanted a better future for his wife and child. After discussing with his family, he, along with other friends, embarked on a journey to the city.


    Today, some had achieved fame and sess, while others merely existed in people''s memories.


    Undoubtedly, Mr. Fox was counted among the more fortunate individuals. It''s amon trait of human nature to reflect on the past after achieving some level of sess. However, there are those who reminisce not out of triumph, but because their present lives are fraught with pain, yearning for the carefree days of yesteryears.


    Yet, some reminisce about the past solely to highlight their current sess.


    As for Mr. Fox''s nostalgia and his hobby of working on the farm, Lin Qi thought thetter might be more prevalent, a way to attain a certain satisfaction.


    After rinsing off the overalls, with the help of others, Mr. Fox removed the stuffy attire. Alone in the pasture, he and Lin Qi aimlessly wandered, discussing some thoughts.


    "Michael returned to Sabin City around four in the morning today. Be cautious; he has a bad temper and can be impulsive. Don''t give him any chance." Mr. Fox said, chuckling. "Of course, this is just a small reminder. I believe you''re smarter than him."


    This was valuable information. If Lin Qi had encountered Michael without prior knowledge, it could have led to some minor idents. Now, armed with this information, he had sufficient time to prepare for the forting confrontation with Michael.


    Lin Qi had never feared Michael, the licensed individual. If the other party hadn''t tried to cause trouble three times in a row, he wouldn''t have conflicted with an investigation team leader.


    Seeing Lin Qi nod solemnly, Mr. Fox knew he had been heard. Then he continued, "There are two other things. Firstly, about what I mentioned beforeeveryone in the city, even in neighboring cities, knows how to legally deposit money in banks now. Do you think this might impact our business?"


    "What I mean is, if everyone does this, will our source of ie be cut off?" He spoke cautiously. During this period, his life had improved. He had "acquired" two moreundromats on his son''s suggestion, raising their standards. He had even produced registered payment receipts. Everyone knew that those willing to pay tens of bucks forundry at his shops were his people. However, until there was concrete evidence, no one could im his actions were illegal.


    Through certain channels, he even heard some higher-ups'' perspectives on what was happening in Sabin Citythose big shots considered it a good thing. At least those so-called financialpanies also understood one crucial point: even if their business was illegal, they still had to pay taxes.


    However, there were also some people who felt that such actions were somewhat inappropriate and those illegal activities shouldn''t be allowed this way. Allowing them to continue in this manner could be seen as a form of condoning crime, ultimately impacting the ordinary people who sought help from them.


    Some things could be said privately, but it was challenging for them to be reality. Eventually, efforts would be made to stop the constant emergence of "problems" in Sabin City and its surrounding areas.


    "Besides that matter, there''s another issue. How do you think I can legalize my business?" Mr. Fox paused momentarily. This was a problem he urgently needed to resolve. As long as the problem of his rate of return was significantly higher than the minimum standard set by the federal government wasn''t solved, he wouldn''t be truly at peace.


    He looked at Lin Qi expectantly. Lin Qi merely smiled, took the lead, and walked forward. He was followed closely by Mr. Fox.


    "You don''t need to worry about the first issue. Unable to convert small changes, we have plenty of other ways to solve that problem. You know, pioneers always lead, and those whoeter won''t be able to catch up. So, no need to worry about that," Lin Qi reassured.


    "As for the second issue, there''s currently no perfect solution. I believe it''s not because the people born during these years are all idiots that there hasn''t been a single process that could effectively resolve this problem for many years!"


    "But you can adopt the banking methods temporarily to deal with the current situation..."


    Initially disappointed, Mr. Fox suddenly became interested upon hearing of an indirect solution. "Banking methods... What method?"


    "Mortgage." Lin Qi tapped the wooden fence at the edge of the farm. This wood had stood here for ten or more years, perhaps even longer, now rotting away. Although it looked unchanged from the outside, when Lin Qi''s hand tapped it, it instantly fell apart.


    Greyish wood dust settled on the ground. As Lin Qi stared at thepletely rotten wood, his eyes seemed to lose focus, as if he were looking at something else.


    Mr. Fox didn''t interrupt but waited quietly. After approximately twenty-six, twenty-seven, or twenty-eight, maybe thirty seconds, Lin Qi snapped back to reality.


    "Apologies, I lost track. Where was I?"


    "You were talking about using the banking method as a temporary measure to deal with the current situation!"


    "Yes, that''s it..." Lin Qi took control again, continuing forward. Mr. Fox followed closely. In the distance, Mr. Fox''s son looked at the two men strangely. In his eyes, his father, the renowned Mr. Fox, seemed to have be an attendant to Lin Qi, following his lead.


    Of course, the parties involved didn''t feel this way. Lin Qi was still exining the methods to Mr. Fox.


    In fact, banks had long provided a practical method: they devalued items worth a hundred bucks to fifty bucks as coteral. It could be said that they were evading risks, but one could also argue that they were consuming wealth.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 38:

    Chapter 38:


    "You can have your people try to get a loan from the bank, observe their process, then transcribe their loan documents and add some extra content," he nced at Mr. Fox beside him. "For instance, after a certain period, relinquishing the coteral while still being obliged to repay the full amount of debt and interest. This way, you can seemingly lower the interest rate on the surface."


    This approach was just a variation of the long-established game banks yed. If borrowers couldn''t repay the debt in time after obtaining a bank loan, the bank would auction off the coteral.


    The funds obtained from auctions perpetually covered the debt that borrowers couldn''t repay, making it seem like a rational process when, in fact, it wasn''t. Right from the beginning, the bank undervalued the coteral while setting high-interest rates, leaving most borrowers without the short-term ability to repay.


    It''s a simple fact  if these individuals could gather this sum within a month or two, they wouldn''t need a bank loan in the first ce.


    Given their inability to collect this amount, they naturallycked the capacity to repay the bank loan, allowing the bank to legitimately im their coteral.


    If borrowers could repay the money in the short term, the bank wouldn''t incur losses; instead, they''d gain interest within a brief period.


    Perhaps this amount seemed inconspicuous in individual transactions, just a fraction of a hundred bucks, ranging from a few percent to around ten percent. But when all of the bank''s operations were aggregated together, it would not be merely a hundred bucks; it might amount to tens of millions, a billion, or even more.


    Lin Qi''s suggestion added a use beyond the bank''s typical termination use: the continuation of reiming the principal and interest.


    Even within a bank, this wasn''t merely termination; they had ways to leave borrowers with nothing!


    Banks might not be smeared in society like financialpanies such as Mr. Fox''s, but fundamentally, banks weren''t saints either. Remember, the limits within all legal policies rted to illicit funds were all set referencing the highest standards of banks... they weren''t just yers; they were also the referees!


    Previously, as Mr. Fox mentioned, some individuals didn''t want their businesses to be legitimate, particrly those members of Congress connected to banks and major financial corporations. Banks and corporations sustained these individuals and their families, perhaps even their personal entourages, maintaining their respectable lifestyles. Thus, they naturally learned to advocate for the interests of those feeding them.


    Lin Qi''s scheme wasn''tplicated at all; if you can''t beat them, join them.


    But now, to mitigate risk, they added some wordy in contracts, allowing maneuverability in vague areas.


    After contemting seriously for a moment, Mr. Fox hesitated, "I''ll give it a try. Regardless, thank you very much for the advice."


    Lin Qi waved it off, smiling, "Your matter is settled, and I have something I need your help with..."


    After a meal at Mr. Fox''s farm, taking some local specialties, leaving with a few trinkets adorned with gold and some inconspicuous gemstones, they departed. These items were actually worth very little if one disregarded the gold and some unremarkable gems.


    Meanwhile, after a morning of application, the Michael they mentioned finally met his son Michael Junior at a local jail in Sabin City.


    Sometimes people believed that criminal cases would necessarily go through several court hearings before judgment, which was actually incorrect. If a criminal confessed voluntarily, the process would be significantly expedited.


    Though the court hadn''t yet announced Michael Junior''s sentencing, he had alreadymenced serving time early, which could be considered a form of favoritism.


    In the room designated for receiving inmates'' family members, the father and the son sat across a table. After nods from the guards, they departed from their designated positions. This is how the rules usually work. Some adhere to them, others break them, often those breaking them are from privileged sses or even the rule-makers themselves, while those who follow are usually the powerless.


    It''s absurd yet not funny.


    More absurd is that those capable of breaking rules consistently use those unable to do so of viting rules, constantly augmenting rules advantageous to themselves and their authority.


    "In a few days during the trial, you must plead for an appeal, never admit guilt!" Michael turned to nce at the tightly closed door and continued, "I''ve hired awyer who will do everything to clear all the charges. Trust me!"


    Michael Junior remained calm, devoid of surprise or anger, only a sense of calmness, feeling his soul had ascended.


    He seemed to look at Michael differently now, devoid of some admiration, irritation, rebellion, or even reluctantpliance.


    In an instant, he matured considerably, shaking his head, surprising Michael and subsequently igniting a spark of anger within him.


    He abruptly stood up, leaning forward to grab Michael Junior''s cor, indicating that this wasn''t a time for jest. However, his actions were too extreme, rming the guards outside.


    A cough from the guard signaled him to restrain himself; Michael''s action froze momentarily, suppressing his anger and sitting back down.


    He red at Michael Junior with anger. "Why?"


    Michael Junior responded in a tone that annoyed Michael, "One of us had toe in. You always said I couldn''t bring you glory. Look, I''m protecting you now!"


    He seemed impatient, "I don''t want to hear your exnations. Whatever you did or didn''t do, the problem exists now. I admit there are faults on my part, so I am trying to make up for my mistakes. Besides..."


    Michael Junior seemed reluctant to continue, "In truth, if I confess, it''s good for you, for me, for Mom, for all of us. Don''t dwell on these issues. Think about how to reduce my sentence; I''ve heard from here that I might get nine to twelve months."


    After saying this, Michael Junior stood up, tapped the table, and the guard entered. After exchanging nces with the two, he then took Michael Junior''s arm, escorting him away.


    Michael understood Michael Junior''s perspective but found him foolish because this was framing and entrapment!


    As long as they could resolve the framing and entrapment, none of them would bear any infamy. However, he couldn''t rify this to Michael Junior right now. He merely wanted to dy until the truth emerged. Unfortunately, the brat didn''t see it that way; he even believed he was protecting Michael himself.


    An unreasonable child, and utterly foolish!


    Around 7 pm, Lin Qi returned to the second floor of the bar after dinner outside. He hadn''t had time to check out the house these days, so he was still temporarily residing here.


    Situated by the roadside, the constant foot traffic and the bustling bar downstairs ensured that any disturbance around the building would be noticed, providing anotheryer of safety for him.


    As he stood at the door, about to pull out his keys, he paused. There were evident signs of tampering at the lock. He gently pushed the room door, and it creaked open.


    The dark room had a flickering light source, intermittently illuminating a faint figure whenever it brightened.


    The room was somewhat messy, appearing to have been rifled through once again. Lin Qi flipped the switch by the door, and the dim light came on. Michael was leaning against the partition wall, looking at him.


    Lin Qi sighed, looking around at the mess. "You clearly don''t do chores at home; otherwise, you''d know how tedious it is to tidy up this mess, how much it drains you, and how irritating it can be," he bent down to pick up some books, cing them neatly on the nearby wardrobe.


    As he bent down again, Michael suddenly rushed towards him, pushing him against the wall. "You framed my son, Lin Qi..."


    Lin Qipletely ignored Michael''s ferocity; he gazed at Michael, asposed as he had been that day in the alley. "Apologize and get out, and this matter ends here. Otherwise, you''ll bear all the consequences on your own, just like I warned you that day!"


    Lin Qi showed no sign of backing down.


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 Chapter 39:

    Chapter 39:


    Michael obtained the initial police report concerning the case from the officer in charge. It was the report filed by Lin Qi regarding a break-in at his t. The document contained not only Lin Qi''s address and the reason for the report but also some on-site records.


    It must be said that the Federal Tax Bureau was quite an influential department. Michael had only paid a favor to get ess to this report. Not only did he get to see this document, but he also saw crucial evidence that should have been sealednamely, a gold ring with an inscription.


    Michael swore by his old father that he had never seen that ring before, let alone taken it from Lin Qi''s room.


    The ring was worth at most a couple of hundred bucks. He had no reason to risk his neck for such a small amount of money. Yet, it not only showed up in his "territory" but was also found by Michael Junior and led to his arrest at the scene of selling stolen goods.


    How could this fool, who didn''t even know the proper way to dispose of stolen goods, possibly have stolen that ring?


    So, Michael became even more certain that the essence of the case was framing and setting him up. He immediately went to find Lin Qi.


    He intended to have a good talk with Lin Qi, but when he saw the guy, an inexplicable rage ignited within him, nearly shattering his rationality.


    This was the fourth time he had gotten into trouble because of the same person within a month. This was a first in Michael''s life. It not only made him angry but also frightened him.


    His temper and character were extremely vile, yet he still managed to be noticed by his superiorsnot because he was "evil" enough, but due to his capabilities. Despite numerous ws, he was undoubtedly apetent investigator.


    And yet, this proud man had been defeated by a kid who hadn''t even gained much recognition yet. Oh no, Lin Qi had already gained notoriety. It''s just that he himself wasn''t aware of it"The Lin Qi Method" was a grey process recognized by more than ten federal departments like the Federal Tax Bureau, Federal Police Bureau, Federal Investigation Bureau, Federal Homnd Security Bureau, and more.


    It was more sophisticated than the tricks yed by others before, more secretive, harder to control, faster, more harmful, and harder to eradicate.


    It was definitely more than just exchanging coinsa variety of options were avable at Mr. Fox''sundry store, thanks to Lin Qi''s suggestions. The ce had transformed, offering at least dozens of categorized options based on clothing types, quantities, detergents, fragrances, spin-drying or tumble-drying, and numerous other selections. Washing one piece of clothing could cost several tens of bucks, and with manual intervention, it could be even more expensive.


    Regardless of how they managed to provide suchplex options with a non-customized washing machine and whether the clothes would be damaged, they had achieved it. They resolved certain drawbacks without viting anyws, making theirundering operation faster and faster.


    In a way, Lin Qi was also a talent, albeit an odd one.


    Facing this guy again, Michael couldn''t restrain his violent temper. This time, he didn''t back down. He red fiercely at Lin Qi. "Tell me the truth and what happened. Otherwise, you won''t have a good night."


    Lin Qi chuckled. Michael punched him in the upper abdomen, just likest time. The impact caused spasms in the area where Lin Qi''s lower abdomen met his chest. He bent over slightly, taking deep breaths to ease the convulsions.


    He spat out a mouthful of saliva, his gaping mouth now filled with saliva due to the diaphragm spasms causing nausea.


    "You better speak up, don''t push me!" Michael''s eyes reddened.


    His son was about to go to jail, and his entire life would be ruined because of this. No government agency would hire someone with a history of burry. Somerge corporations or conglomerates wouldn''t employ someone with such a tainted record. He would be stuck at the bottom for the rest of his life.


    His wife had also been severely traumatized. He learned some more detailed events from his wife and the doctorhow she had been humiliated, assaulted, and almost vited by the News Head.


    Michael found it hard to imagine how his cherished wife endured all of this and how she remained so resilient.


    Everything in his life had been ruined by a certain individual!


    The smile vanished from Lin Qi''s face as spasms of pain continued to wrack his body. He maintained heavy breathing to ease the agony and his voice altered slightly when he spoke.


    "You can kill me. They might cover up your minor faults, but they won''t condone and conceal your attempted murder," he sneered slightly, which only aggravated Michael.


    Michael punched Lin Qi''s abdomen again, causing him to lean against the wall due to the pain. "Where is the News Head? Were you together that night?"


    Lin Qi was stunned for a moment. He had watched the News Head lying dead on the road leading out of the city. He even thought that someone might have alerted the authorities. But Michael was still unaware that the News Head had died. Did it imply that something else had happened?


    Lin Qi guessed correctly. In reality, not many people were willing to invite trouble, especially in such an obvious murder case. With the extensive bloodstains and the thoroughly plundered body, no one would risk bing a police target for someone else''s crime.


    As for leaving the corpse exposed in the wilderness, it wouldn''t get to that point. In fact, at this moment, the News Head''s body was inside a ssroom at the Sabin Medical College.


    Someone had discovered his body and, without fear of trouble, sold it to the Sebin City Medical College for research purposes at a price of 1,500 bucks.


    Eighty-seven percent of the people in Baylor Federation firmly believed in the existence of God and that there was an afterlife following death. As for the remaining thirteen percent, although they didn''t adhere to the concept of God, they had faith in other beliefs.


    These various beliefs shared somewhat simr doctrines and principles. While they may have different reasons for advocating traditional burial practices, their ultimate goal remained the same - to rest in peace within the earth before ascending to their respective ideal realms.


    Under these circumstances, obtaining fresh bodies for medical research was quite challenging. Sometimes, a teaching aid could be used for several years without recementnot because the medical collegecked the funds, but because they couldn''t find any, which in turn encouraged the birth of another profession that once had a heyday but soon vanished into obscurity.


    This also resulted in the death of ''the News Head'' not being officially listed in the federal death notifications. In other words, as far asw enforcement agencies like the Sabin City Police Department were concerned, the News Head had gone into hiding.


    At this point, neither Lin Qi nor Michael was aware of these details.


    Lin Qi''s silence further fueled Michael''s rage. He was about to strike again when unexpectedly, Lin Qi cried out for help.


    The sudden shout for help disturbed the patrons downstairs in the small bar. It was already nighttime, and the bar was filled with defiant drinkers and troublemakers.


    The shout of Lin Qi not only didn''t scare them but piqued their interests.


    What surprised Michael even more was that not only did Lin Qi shout for help, but he even grabbed hold of him, refusing to let go of him.


    Hearing a series of footstepsing up the stairs and the distant sound of police sirens, Michael was taken aback!


    He had never had an experience like this before. Whether it was the News Head or anyone else, his level of aggression was always much more severe than what he did to Lin Qi; he once beat the News Head to the point that he spat blood.


    They had all silently endured, and no one had ever shouted for help like Lin Qi.


    In fact, he had a cognitive barrier; he always felt that Lin Qi and others were all the same, all criminals. They didn''t dare to call the police, let alone cry for help. However, he overestimated his judgment and underestimated Lin Qi''s decisiveness.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 40:

    Chapter 40:


    After learning about Lin Qi''s hospitalization, Mr. Fox promptly arrived at the hospital. Upon consulting with the doctors, he discovered that Lin Qi''s condition wasn''t severe, except for some malnutrition and two minor soft tissue injuries.


    Despite the minor problems, Mr. Fox was still furious. He held Lin Qi in high regard and, whether out of genuine concern or an attempt to win Lin Qi over, he needed to disy his stance.


    "We must sue him!" Mr. Fox paced back and forth in the hospital room. "We''ll sue him until his life falls apart, until he can''t even afford to put pants on!"


    Watching Mr. Fox''s performance, even though part of it was genuine, Lin Qi couldn''t help but smile and wave it off. "Let it go, there''s no need for that."


    By the time he reached the hospital, Lin Qi''s spasms had eased. Apart from some difort in his stomach, there were no other issues. During this period, he earnestly considered what he needed to do next and had made a decision.


    Mr. Fox raised an eyebrow. He mentioned those words primarily to align with Lin Qi. Although he didn''t know how Lin Qi had managed to get Michael Junior sent to jail, and it was rumored that Michael Junior had even confessed voluntarily, Mr. Fox sensed Lin Qi''s vengeful nature, where an eye for an eye seemed inevitable.


    Such a person wouldn''t miss using this opportunity. It was an excellent chance.


    Beforeing, Mr. Fox had consulted hiswyer, who believed that if they sued, Michael would surely be done for.


    Firstly, he forcibly broke into the house without the owner''s consent, then resorted to violent coercion of the homeowner. Being a public official, knowinglymitting illegal acts, he wouldn''t just face repercussions but also a sentence of at least five years.


    Mr. Fox thought that Lin Qi, being so clever, would definitely want to ruin Michael''s reputation. However, he was surprised when Lin Qi suggested otherwise. Was he wrong about Lin Qi, or was Lin Qi merely acting?


    In the face of Mr. Fox''s eager curiosity and recalling how promptly he rushed over, despite his somewhat contrived theatrics, Lin Qi felt grateful. Furthermore, as he needed some assistance from Mr. Fox, he shared his thoughts.


    "Suing Michael would be seen as a challenge to the Federal Tax Bureau. It''s a highly sensitive signal that might backfire."


    "The Federal Tax Bureau will do everything to protect Michael, to maintain their authority, sanctity, and enforcement rights. They''ll go to any lengths tobel me a ''criminal.''"


    "At that point, I won''t be fighting against just Michael; it''ll be against the entire federal tax system and the interest groups behind it. I won''t win."


    Lin Qi seemed to speak in a rxed manner, but Mr. Fox''s inner turmoil shook him to the point where he couldn''t even disy a change in expression, while Lin Qi continued speaking.


    "The best way forward is to use the media against them. Fearless reporters will help solve the issue with Michael. Once the scandal is nationwide, the Tax Bureau, to protect its image, will take action against Michael."


    Lin Qi furrowed his brow slightly, "There''s a strong possibility he might face suspension pending investigation, and receive some sort of disciplinary action. Perhaps, after the storm settles, he might be relocated to a remote area to start a retired life, but that''s not important. What matters is that we need the power of the media."


    "Let the media do what we want to do but can''t. Then, I''ll still be the victim, and Michael?"


    Lin Qi shrugged, "He''ll be a stray dog."


    Suing Michael was essentially a challenge to power, even sacrilege, as Michael, in a sense, represented not an individual but the enforcement authority of the Federal Tax Bureau.


    Just like the case between awyer and a police officer, suing the officer challenged the entire federal police force''s authority. This was why he had stirred up so much anger.


    If he had been more cunning, and used a more tactful approach, that officer would''ve regretted his actions for a lifetime, and thewyer wouldn''t have to constantly fear legal harassment.


    Lin Qi was unaware of this. If he knew, he might doubt the intelligence of thatwyer.


    Mr. Fox on the side had beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He couldn''t help but recall the favor Lin Qi had asked him for earlier. He reached for a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow, feeling somewhat uncertain about this young man, Lin Qi.


    His thoughts, his methods, his meticulousnessnone of these aligned with what one would expect from a worthless person who had received a privileged education only toter spiral into obscurity after entering society.


    Mr. Fox was now even willing to believe that he might actually be the heir of some influential family, and he held this belief with an unwavering and devout conviction. Because truthfully, very few people could reach such a level.


    "Is there anything I can assist you with?" he hurriedly inquired. At this moment, he no longer viewed the rtionship between the two from a condescending perspective but rather approached Lin Qi with an attitude of equality, perhaps even lowering himself slightly.


    Such an exceptional young individual, if not met with an untimely demise, would undoubtedly be a prominent figure shaping the destiny of the federation.


    Investing in him before his sess was far better than shamelessly benefiting from his aplishmentster.


    Mr. Fox''s sudden change in attitude was immediately noticed by Lin Qi. Although he was somewhat puzzled, he didn''t dwell on it. At this moment, his mind surged with thoughts of revenge and retaliation as he had just been physically assaulted. "Of course, I need the media to interview me, a lot of media coverage, preferably at the federal level. Money is not an issue; it must create a sensation!"


    Mr. Fox breathed a sigh of relief. Handling this matter was something he could manage.


    Truth be told, in his line of work, he frequently dealt with various licensed individuals and some on the fringes of the entertainment industry. Without hesitation, he reassured, "Don''t worry. At thetest, within the next two days, several well-known domestic media outlets will be present here!"


    "Thank you," Lin Qi replied politely.


    "That''s what I should do." Mr. Fox responded with solidarity.


    After he left, Lin Qi called over a nurse who then fetched the attending physician. After a brief moment inside the room, the attending physician came out of the room, his expression grave. "Immediately transport this patient to the emergency center..."


    Meanwhile, the Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau director, rudely awakened by a phone call, was about to erupt in anger but quickly paled at the news. The victim was critically injured and had been taken to the emergency center. The doctor had issued a risk notification, indicating potential unforeseenplications.


    Realizing he couldn''t sleep with this on his mind, he cursed Michael while hastily dressing up to rush to the hospital. If Lin Qi were to die, he needed to take immediate action.


    Shortly after, the attending physician from the emergency center and Lin Qi, who was supposedly being "rescued," exchanged an "ok" gesture, shared a smile, and remained silent.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 41:

    Chapter 41:


    In a short span of over three hours, after Lin Qi had his midnight snack andy on his bed feigning weakness, the doctor from the emergency center applied something unknown to his face, making him appear quite feeble.


    When he was wheeled out of the emergency center, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, including the Director of the Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau, who had been waiting here all along, feeling a sense of relief only at this moment.


    As long as Lin Qi didn''t die, the issue wouldn''t escte to an irreparable extent. In truth, whether it was him or higher-ups in authority or management, how could they not know about certain issues existing beneath them in the line of work?


    As long as the issue didn''t get out of hand, those above would simply turn a blind eye, pretending not to know anything. Everyone understood that if frontline work strictly followed regtions, hardly anything could be aplished.


    Appropriate delegation of power or even bending the rules wasn''t considered excessive. As long as they could fulfill their own tasks and responsibilities, everything wouldn''t be a problem.


    The Baylor Federation had faced hundreds of conflicts due to enforcement standards every year. Perhaps there were more in the previous years, but that hadn''t stoppedw enforcement agencies across regions from acting, nor had it led to thesew enforcement officers being confined by their superiors.


    However, if Lin Qi died, handling the matter would be extremely difficult. Any effective and healthy system inherently had an internal cleansing process to eradicate corrupt elements, and the federal government was no exception.


    The "Supervision Department" in the Baylor Federation was such a unique unit. Within this department were many subsidiary branches, some of the more renowned ones being the "Bureau of Investigation for Official Misconduct()," the "Disciplinary Committee()," and the "Anti-Infiltration Investigation Office()."


    Once public opinion started boiling, some of these individuals would quickly appear in Sabin City, conducting investigations into excessive enforcement standards and potential acts of upational crime. At that point, it wouldn''t just be Michael who would face misfortune.


    A mere team leader of an investigation team couldn''t bear this "weight" alone. There had to be a higher-ranking individual apanying them for dismissal, most likely someone at the director level who was aware but didn''t report the situation.


    Fortunately, Lin Qi regained consciousness, indicating the situation wouldn''t spiral out of control, disregarding the string of medical bills he would soon face.


    Lin Qi conversed with the doctor, facilitating their simple cooperation this time, where the doctor''s actions here weren''t considered a major fault.


    In the Baylor Federation, medical structures were controlled by medical conglomerates. In other words, hospitals were akin to shopping malls under the control of capitalists wearing the outeryer of medical conglomerates.


    What they sold was the concept of health. To obtain it, one had to pay. Doctors and nurses were the salespersons here, not necessarily working to save lives, despite always portraying themselves as such.


    From the outset, their aim in acquiring medical knowledge was to enter hospitals as doctors or nurses, bing part of the high-ie group.


    Their primary job essence was to generate profits for these conglomerates. So, why would a doctor refuse a risk-free coboration to earn a substantialmission?


    Of course, this was why whenever the President mentioned healthcare reforms, they would garner public support. The exorbitant treatment costs and indifferent attitude of hospitals were something most people hoped would change, but actually achieving it was exceedingly difficult.


    It was akin to asking those big capitalists not to make money. They weren''t phnthropists. Even if they were, they needed to first extract enough from themoners before having a charitable heart to offer to others. This was almost impossible.


    In any case, news of Lin Qi being violently threatened by Michael and sustaining serious injuries quickly spread. Despite Michael''s cooperation with the police investigation at the station, he was surprised by the severity of Lin Qi''s injuries.


    Several policemen hesitated but eventually handcuffed and shackled him, which, in the police station, was considered the highest level of ''hospitality.'' Simultaneously, it indicated that Michael might be implicated in a first-degree murder, potentially as the aggressor, if Lin Qi were to pass away suddenly.


    The series of changes didn''t rm many residents of Sabin City. Even as dawn broke, they might not be aware that a person named Lin Qi, investigated by a certain Michael from the tax bureau, was hospitalized and a risk notification had been issued.


    For most people, life went on as usual, just like for Michael Junior.


    After waking up in the morning and having a less than appetizing breakfast, he joined everyone else in the prison''s "workshop." Sometimes, everything about the Baylor Federation was perplexing.


    Prisons were evidently structures of national significance, but within the Baylor Federation, there were many private prisons. The power of capitalism truly infiltrated everywhere, even turning prisons and inmates into profit-generating factories in the eyes of some individuals.


    Fortunately, the Sabin Prison wasn''t a privately owned facility. The number of inmates in this small city wasn''t overwhelming for the Sabin City Hall to feel financially strained, so they could still afford these expenses.


    The incarcerated individuals here didn''t just sit idle all day. They had to work, but thisbor was more like a result of... contemporary policies.


    In the past, the primary reason why ex-convicts often returned to crime upon release was because theycked skills to swiftly integrate into society, earn enough for survival, or possess alternative job abilities. To address this, after years of debate, a thing called the "Prisoner Skill Training/Employment Guidance Act" was passed. Every inmate had to acquire a set of skills during their sentence.


    Since the implementation of this act, it birthed numerous new issues, leading to even more problems being generated to solve the initial ones. But those were inconsequential.


    What mattered was that Michael Junior sat obediently in front of a sewing machine, starting to sew as per his "mentor''s" instructions. This was the employment skill taught in the Sabin City Prison.


    By employing a mentorship approach, the incarcerated individuals were enabled to proficiently acquire sewing machine skills. If they were interested, they could also self-study rted mechanical repair content. This way, upon release, they would have acquired a valuable skill set, whether they chose to work asborers or pursue other paths.


    Typically, newly incarcerated inmates were ced in the beginner''s group, where the prison authorities assigned experienced inmates to mentor them. They would continue to guide them until the neers could independently make their own piece of prison clothing, marking a sessful transition.


    At that point, they could choose to bask in the sun, exercise, or work here. For everypleted sewing task as per regtions, they would receive mary rewards.


    These rewards would be either given to them upon leaving the prison or used for consumption within the prison.


    Once seated, Michael Junior''s mentor didn''t ask him to start working immediately. Instead, he nced towards the door and casually remarked, "We have neers today. You''ve been arranged to be in the same group with them..."


    Michael Junior had no issue whatsoever. He had gradually adapted to life inside and didn''t find it as dreadful as others made it out to be. He believed he could smoothly and safelyplete his sentence here, even without Michael''s assistance.


    Not long after, several neers were brought into the workshop, all heading towards where Michael Junior was seated. Because they were neers, it wasn''t troublesome to have them all follow the same learning pace.


    Just as everyone was preparing to begin their session, a person who had been staring at Michael Junior suddenly eximed loudly, "Hey, I know you! Your dad is a guy with the license!"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 42:

    Chapter 42:


    In prison, there were mainly three types of people. The first were gang members, constituting the majority of the inmate poption, and they were the most unyielding type. Regardless of the ruling authority, these individuals would always form thergest group within the prison.


    The second type involved rtively trendy criminal behavior, mostly rted to scams and frauds. These individuals were not gang members; rather, they ended up here not because of what they did but due to theirck of caution or cunningness, getting caught by police or detectives.


    The third category was practically non-existent in the Sabin City Prison. These were individuals with no criminal behavior whatsoever, even capable of leaving the prison at any given moment.


    For most of them, the prison was just a means to an end, although it was possible for them to be set up by these means. Many of such individuals served time in renowned federal prisons. Yet, even while inside prison walls, they still managed to influence the entire federal realmpolitically, economically, culturally, and even militarily.


    As for others, there were various reasons but not so many. People like Michael Junior, without a gang background, often get absorbed into gangs in prison. Many gangs view prisons as their primary recruitment grounds.


    Here, no one was excessively discriminated against, although social sses undoubtedly existed. If the prison could eradicate these sses, wouldn''t it have seeded a long time ago?


    Where there were people and sses, there existed society. Due to his young age, Michael Junior didn''t face much harsh treatment. In this ce that valued personal bravery, bullying a teenager would only evoke disdain, not admiration.


    However, if Michael Junior''s father were someone with the licence, the situation would be different. Here, most individuals were brought in by those with the licence.


    The eerie atmosphere continued till lunchtime in Sabin City Prison. Following lunch came the afternoon break, then free time, followed by dinner and an hour and a half of entertainment, during which inmates could watch television. Next was shower time, evening break, and finally lights out. Each day was quite fulfilling for everyone, at least much more fulfilling than their aimless lives outside.


    Michael Junior approached the food counter with a tray made of rubber. The guy responsible for serving food had, in the past few days, given him slightly more meat and vegetables than others. But today, that guy scooped a spoonful of mushy paste from the edge of the vegetable bowl directly onto Michael Junior''s tray.


    He nced at the food server, who looked impatient. Before he could say anything, a force surged from behind, pushing him forward. He stumbled and fell into the mess of soup and vegetables on the floor.


    Lying in the soggy mess, he felt bewildered. The guards responsible for overseeing the inmates merely nced, uninterested in intervening in prisoner conflicts unless it erupted into a riot.


    Prison was a unique microcosm, with its own social norms. Without significant incidents, nobody would intervene voluntarily.


    Michael Junior got up, intending to pick up his tray when someone stepped onto it. Bent over, looking up, he saw the person on his tray, looking down at himhis bewilderment met with indifference.


    There were no cheers or jeers in the dining hall. Most people merely watched with smirks. If the person hadn''t exposed Michael Junior''s background, someone might have intervened, especially those intending to recruit him into their gangs.


    But now, everyone enjoyed the spectacle. Hatred towards those with "licenses," even their families, was instinctive here.


    The person stepping on Michael Junior''s tray twisted his ankle, leaving a faint, slightly yellowish-ck stain and a lingering stench. Michael Junior''s stomach churned, and he rushed to the trash bin, vomiting out what he hadn''t digested in the morning.


    He hadn''t realized his good days were over. Right as he was vomiting, someone suddenly yanked down his pants, and before he could react, he was lifted upside down and dumped headfirst into the garbage bin. Inside the bin, there was residue of others'' leftover food, saliva, thick phlegm, and his own vomit; for a moment, his mind wentpletely nk...


    When the guards pulled him out, he hadn''tprehended it yet, feeling like everything had changed in an instant.


    Meanwhile, in Sabin City and even throughout the entire state, a piece of news began rapidly spreadinga federal tax bureau investigation team leader''s abuse of power nearly led to the death of an innocent citizen.


    Just as Lin Qi initially predicted, the fact that he didn''t resort to judicial means to challenge the tax bureau''s enforcement authority, but utilized the media to relentlessly expose their actions yed a crucial role.


    That day, Michael was restricted from leaving the city limits of Sabin. Simultaneously, he was confined to his residenceThe Director of the Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau personally bailed Michael out. If he continued staying at the police station, it would only give journalists more ammunition to attack the Bureau, such as questioning why he was detained in the police station if he was truly innocent.


    He had to get Michael out, at least to prevent the foolish citizens from being led by the nose by the media.


    At Michael''s home, the director was visibly angry. "You acted too rashly, don''t you know the Bureau''s higher-ups chewed me out for more than half an hour over the phone?"


    From early morning, swarms of reporters, like flies smelling a stenchor rather, like bees smelling honeysurrounded Lin Qi. From the information they obtained from the nurses to doctors, even through their own imagination, they fabricated chilling articles one after another. Among them were two federal-level media outlets. Before 9 am, practically all 17 federal states knew about the incident, and public opinion began to ferment.


    Such incidents urred countless times each year, but this time, there was evidently someone pulling the strings behind the scenes. The Federal Central Tax Bureau had started taking notice and warned the bureau director that if he failed to swiftly quell this matter, the Supervision Department might dispatch amissioner to conduct a secret investigation in Sabin City.


    At that point, it wouldn''t be only Michael in trouble, nor just about being "exiled" to remote ces; they would lose their jobs and might even go to prison.


    For those with "licenses," going to prison was worse than being killed. They would be ruthlessly targeted by the ones they had personally put inside, making their life more unbreakable than death.


    Michael kept his head down, silent. He had a bad temper but wasn''t foolish. He knew the consequences of his rash actions, but it was toote now. It''d be better to wait until the director finished venting before discussing how to deal with the aftermath.


    The director scolded him for a while longer, finally sighing. "I really want to protect you, but the higher-ups want you thrown out to calm public anger."


    Michael looked up at the director, an incredulous expression in his eyes. He was also a mid-level officer; was giving up the only option left?


    Avoiding his gaze, the director forced a bitter smile and shook his head. "You picked the wrong opponent, you know that?" Without waiting for Michael''s reply, the director continued, "I thought Lin Qi would sue you. If he did, it would have been simple. Once it involves enforcement issues, the higher-ups would support us, no matter what you did."


    "But I heard he forgave you in front of the media, even spoke positively about you, and abandoned the idea of suing you. Do you know how much trouble you''re in now?"


    Michael might not have realized it yet, but the director understood well. The more magnanimous Lin Qi appeared, the angrier the media and the public became. Part of their anger was directed at Lin Qifor not daring to fight for his rights.


    However, more of their anger was directed towards Michael and those behind him. Under the media''s frenzy, Lin Qi''s concession would be seen as an unwillingness to confront the Tax Bureau, ultimately highlighting the issue of excessive power in federal agencies.


    Discussions on whether federal departments'' enforcement powers were excessive had urred hundreds if not thousands of times over the years, but they always ended inconclusively. This time would likely be no different, but someone had to be held ountable.


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 Chapter 43:

    Chapter 43:


    Things had escted significantly, and Lin Qi did y a role in it. He had thrown himself into the situation as one of the elements. However, what truly elerated the situation was not him or the media.


    They didn''t possess the capability to shake the official stance significantly. What made the authorities cautious were their enemies of equal standing.


    Not everyone had a "licensed" friend, nor could everyone utilize a friend''s "license" to aplish their tasks. Many people were the ones who were targeted by the people with the license. This situation caused anxiety among individuals who held esteemed positions in society butcked direct ess to power.


    Their anxiety stemmed from the fact that their wealth and influence didn''t align as seamlessly as they had initially imagined. As of now, these were merely two parallel lines. It implied that if their opponents utilized the power theycked against them, they would struggle to resist.


    Among these people, the emerging capitalists predominated. They had rapidly umted wealth under the explosion of the era''s opportunities, often amassing fortunes that might have taken two or three generations to umte in the past, yetcking sufficient depth or background.


    They began to fear. They feared the power they had fantasized about numerous times. It was like many people saying they wanted to cage capitalists, but for these emerging capitalistscking background, it was not them that should be caged but rather the power.


    So, when Lin Qi''s incident rapidly escted after he set it in motion, it wasn''t because Lin Qi was exceptionally special. He merely crafted a weapon for these individuals.


    This weapon might not necessarily break the impregnable wall that the federation had built over centuries, but it would leave another mark among the existing ones, making it a bit deeper!


    One day, they would eventually slice through this intangible wall, one cut at a time.


    The swift pressure exerted by these peoplepelled apromise from the Federal Central Tax Bureau. Ironically, those currently exerting influence were also the biggest taxpayers annually.


    Discarding an inconspicuous lower-level investigator in exchange for quelling this storm made it seem like the Federal Tax Bureau had lost this fight. But in reality, the only one who truly lost the fight was Michael.


    As long as the enforcement power of the Federal Tax Bureau remained intact, they had a chance to turn the tables!


    Despite the situation being clear, Michael''s inner world was gloomy and stormy. The words from the director before he left had thrown him into a frenzied state. That man had actually made him bow to his enemy, seeking genuine forgiveness.


    Anyone with a certain understanding of this world knew that Lin Qi''s statement in public was a way of advancing by retreating. The more he appeared weak, the more it would provoke a severe societal reaction.


    Now the task was to convince Lin Qi to genuinely forgive Michael. Then, this matter would be easily resolved, merely a minor offense.


    Mrs. Michael was still undergoing treatment in the hospital. The injuries to her face and outer thighs weren''t light. She hadn''t fully recovered and needed psychological counseling, which coincidentally was happening together.


    This incurred significant expenses. Additionally, dealing with Michael Junior''s affairs required money to pay for a defensewyer. At the same time, it required Michael''s current status to solve troubles that weren''t troublesome for the privileged ss.


    This also meant that if he lost his current job, Michael''s family would copse in an instant. They''d soon be struggling with various bills, possibly selling their house and moving to a lower-cost neighborhood, signaling the end of this family''s life as they knew it!


    After a great deal of turmoil, Michael stepped out of his home in formal attire. His head buzzed, and his eardrums pulsed outwardly.


    When he just stepped out, he clearly saw the concerned expression on his neighbor''s face and noticed they seemed to be saying something, but he couldn''t hear anything. His mind was filled only with a deadening ringing in his ears.


    He barely mustered a forced smile, opened the car door, sat inside, started the engine, shifted gears, and slowly drove out of themunity.


    He was going to see Lin Qi and resolve these issues. He had never expected that he would face such a hurdle, nor did he believe he would encounter it. After all, he was thepetent head of the Federal Tax Bureau''s investigation team, with prospects of climbing even higher in the future.


    He had wrongly estimated himself and others. He was about to pay the price for his mistake.


    When Michael arrived at the hospital, the reporters had almost finished. Lin Qi''s cooperation had expedited the interview process. Michael directly found Lin Qi''s ward. Upon entering, he saw Lin Qi in hospital attire sitting on the bed watching TV.


    Though he appeared feeble, Michael saw through the facade of fatigue in his bright eyes.


    A surge of anger rose momentarily within him, yet before it could scorch his rationale, he extinguished it with his own hands.


    Lin Qi also noticed Michael entering the room. He muted the TV with the remote and looked at Michael.


    Michael felt uneasy under his gaze, so he took a deep breath and, with what he deemed a sincere approach, apologized, "I apologize for my previous irrational actions. I hope you can forgive me."


    It was already quite challenging for him to say these words. Years of smooth sailing had also constituted his bad temper. In such a humiliating situation, if this had happened before, he would have preferred to let the situation worsen rather than apologize.


    But now, family had be the straw that broke him, and he had indeed begun reflecting on some issues.


    Lin Qi shook his head, "Your words seem perfunctory, and I see no sincerity in them. This is the first time I''ve heard someone requesting forgiveness in such a manner...," he scrutinized Michael and mockingly continued, "it sounds like I begged you to apologize to me."


    "Actually, I feel like you aren''t here to apologize, but to unt that I''m lying here while you can stand!"


    Michael''s brows immediately furrowed. He had already apologized, so what more did Lin Qi want? But observing Lin Qi''s smirk and considering the dire situation he was facing, the rising anger was once again smothered by him.


    Feeling somewhat numb, he stood up. He felt like he was just an empty shell, unable to feel his true self.


    He quickly left the room, bought some flowers, fruits, and gifts from the hospital lobby, then returned upstairs. This time, he knocked on the door before entering, then forced himself to lower his voice, reiterating what he had said earlier, "I earnestly ask for your forgiveness for my recklessness!"


    Lin Qi still wore that unpleasant expression. "If buying gifts represents sincerity, then this world wouldn''t have wars."


    Michael''s voice rose immediately, "Then what do you want me to do?" He red at Lin Qi, but quickly softened his tone, "I''m sorry. You know my bad temper. What do you want me to do? Just tell me straight away."


    Only then did Lin Qi nod in satisfaction. "Kneel down, sincerely apologize to me, and beg for my forgiveness for your previous behavior."


    He sat on the bed, looking at Michael, who appeared incredulous.


    The two stared at each other for about half a minute. Lin Qi''s gaze didn''t yield an inch, and Michael seemed to gradually understand something.


    He lowered his head and remained silent for a while, then with a thud, knelt down, keeping his head down, earnestly apologizing and pleading for Lin Qi''s forgiveness.


    As he spoke, his voice trembled slightly, as if suppressing something. Lin Qi knew it was anger, resentment, and a desire for destruction.


    In reality, Lin Qi was aware that all this was a temporary choice, apromise from Michael''s side.


    He thought about it and smiled, pressed the nurse call button, and chuckled, "I refuse!"


    Michael lifted his head abruptly, looking at Lin Qi in shock, as if he hadn''t heard what Lin Qi just said and wanted him to repeat it.


    Seemingly hearing his inner voice, Lin Qi continued, "I refuse to forgive you."


    Michael stood up, and walked to the bedside, his face showing signs of ferocity, "You made me buy things, made me kneel down, and I did as you said. And now you say you refuse?"


    Facing the increasingly closer Michael, Lin Qi showed no fear. Instead, he asked, "If apologies were effective, why would there bew enforcement officers and the judiciary?"


    "Youmitted a crime, Michael. If you think apologies could absolve your guilt, then you are really retarded." Lin Qi swiftly covered his mouth, "Oh my, mind mynguage. I suppose you are just too naive."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 44:

    Chapter 44:


    Even a fool would know that this wasn''t the right time for action. So after giving Lin Qi a fierce re, Michael quickly left.


    In just a few minutes, Mr. Fox walked in with a puzzled expression. He closed the door, noticed the gifts, and said with a smile, "I saw Michael earlier, he seemed really angry?"


    Lin Qi nodded, gestured toward the items he sent, and casually remarked, "He came to seek my forgiveness, which I didn''t give."


    Upon hearing Lin Qi''s reply, Mr. Fox sighed. He walked over to the nearby round chair, sat down, and casually picked up a piece of fruit, taking a bite; it was quite juicy.


    The shops and stalls within the hospital were all hospital-owned businesses, which were crucial for many people''s livelihoods. Therefore, they naturally dared not be perfunctory. This was also some inherent advantage brought about bymercialization or capitalism - that was,petitiveness.


    Thoseckingpetitiveness, whether individuals, businesses, or industries, would swiftly be eliminated in the wave of capitalism. To prevent being part of this eliminated group, they aimed to maximize theirpetitive advantages.


    Swallowing the fruit, Mr. Fox hesitated slightly but continued, "Actually, resolving this matter amicably is best. If we push Michael away, the tax bureau might not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear."


    In Mr. Fox''s view, Lin Qi had achieved the desired oue: winning against Michael, who now sought forgiveness. So,promising to solve the issue would save face for both sides.


    This approach was typical for Mr. Fox and his ilk. They might sometimes exert pressure onw enforcement agencies that posed a threat to them, but they never actually went for the jugr. Frankly speaking, they were in a mess themselves. Today, they might bring someone down, but soon, new forces woulde after them. That was why they were careful to know where to draw the line; it was best for everyone to get along.


    Mr. Fox actually found Lin Qi''s actions a bit too extreme. He implied, "You''ve embarrassed the tax bureau, and they''ll keep an eye on you."


    This statement wasn''t entirely wrong but not entirely right either.


    Lin Qi turned to look at him and asked a question, "Mr. Fox, even if I stop now, do you think when things have escted to a federal level, it woulde to a stop just because a mere Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau Director said so?"


    "No!" he lifted a finger to emphasize, "Those above want to see who made them lose face, and those below aim to regain some dignity from me. Whether I forgive Michael or not, they''ll still keep an eye on me."


    "In three to five days, they''ll start causing trouble for me. If I forgive Michael now, it''ll only make them think I''m a young person without any influential connections, someone they can easily bully, someone weak."


    "Since whether I forgive him or not won''t change the situation I''m about to face, why should I forgive him?" He said, chuckling. "Since the decision''s made, there''s no point in thinking of a way out. The more you overthink, the less courage you''ll have."


    Mr. Fox''s expression changed slightly. He pondered with a furrowed brow before nodding in agreement with Lin Qi''s thoughts, "You''ve got a point. Then what should we do next?"


    From the start, no one was entirely at fault. If there was any, it was Michael targeting the wrong person.


    If Lin Qi didn''t resist, he''d ultimately be the one in trouble. Either Michael would get him thrown into prison, or people like Mr. Fox would quietly plot against him.


    Therefore, someone had to fall. Sess often relied not solely on one''s effort but also on using the bodies of the failed as stepping stones.


    If Lin Qi''s spection was correct, the tax authority would likelymence an investigation and gather evidence against him. Furthermore,w enforcement agencies beyond the tax authority might also begin probing into his situation.


    However, Lin Qi wasn''t overly concerned about this problem, "We''re legitimate businessmen, Mr. Fox. Actually, this could be a huge opportunity for you and your business."


    Talking about matters rted to himself piqued Mr. Fox''s interest. He tossed the half-eaten fruit into the trash, wiped his slightly sticky fingers with a silk handkerchief from his pocket, and asked, "What do you mean?"


    "Sabin City is under scrutiny from higher authorities. They will definitely dispatch investigation teams or request the localw enforcement units to clean up the chaotic city streets. When that happens, people will inevitably disappear. Isn''t the vacuum left behind after their disappearance precisely your opportunity?"


    Lin Qi''s voice carried a tantalizing tremor as he said, "Just imagine, if the entire city had only you... "


    Mr. Fox gulped, his heart pounding rapidly. He''d never considered such a thing before because territorial boundaries weren''t decided with just a few words; they were traditions from years gone by.


    Every industry must have its rules; only with rules could there be order. If one wished to recklessly expand their business scope, broaden their base, as long as that idea arose, others would warn them not to act recklessly, or else they would be going against everyone else.


    This was a kind of fixed thinking logic. No one, regardless of who they were, could afford the cost of an all-out war. Sabin City was just a small town; they didn''t possess the audacity, courage, means, or resources of those inrger cities.


    However, Lin Qi painted an enticing picture. The prospect of owning an entire city for himself, all the profits filling his own pockets just the thought of it would make his body tremble in excitement.


    But he quickly shook off this unrealistic fantasy. He sighed, saying with a rueful smile, "I''d love to, but it''s impossible. Firstly, I know my business is illegal. Secondly, I can''t dere war against others; I wouldn''t win."


    Expanding in the underground world meant bloodshed, and each bill would be tainted. Stirring up others'' interests led only to death to quell anger.


    Mr. Fox only ran a financepany. He had a few people under him, but weren''t strong enough, numerous enough, or ruthless enough.


    "You''ll know when the timees. I''m just telling you this so you''re mentally prepared," Lin Qi waved his hand.


    On the other side, Michael, thwarted by Lin Qi, headed straight to prison. In a couple of days, it would be Michael Junior''s trial. Now, he hoped even more that Michael Junior would recant and deny his own wrongdoing.


    On one hand, this aimed to link Lin Qi to the case. As long as he could prove that he was framed and ndered by Lin Qi, the incident where Lin Qi was hospitalized after being beaten by him could be interpreted as a different kind of forgivable mistake by the public.


    Since Lin Qi tried to kill his kid with a ring, his attack on Lin Qi had no rtion to his authority or identity. He positioned himself as a father, merely doing what a father should.


    Public opinion would shift from suspicions of his involvement in criminal activities to sympathy. His job and family would remain unharmed.


    On the other hand, if that n failed, while he still had some power, he needed to quickly pull Michael Junior out. Perhaps, in the future, he could seek help from his former boss to secure a job for Michael Junior.


    Based on these points, he had to have another conversation with Michael Junior.


    However, how could he know that the events between him and Lin Qi had not only be federal news but were also known among the prison inmatesthey could read newspapers, a protected activity.


    When Michael Junior realized his father was in grave trouble, his idea of recanting vanished. He rejected the guards'' request for a visit because intervening in his matters might give grounds for usations of abusing authority, making things moreplicated.


    His thoughts were correct. Only by saving Michael could this family have a future. Sometimes, however, the minds of young people... would inexplicably encounter problems.


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 Chapter 45:

    Chapter 45:


    At this moment, in the office of the director of the Federal Tax Bureau in Sabin City, another conversation was taking ce.


    On one side was the owner of this office, the local tax bureau director, while on the other side was the highest-ranking official of the state office.


    The structure of the Baylor Federal Tax Bureau was rtively simple. The highest authority was the Baylor Federal Central Tax Bureau, with the highest official being the director-general of the central bureau. Apart from the various offices of the bureau, there were the federal tax administrative offices of each state.


    These state-level administrative offices didn''t handle any tax-rted services. They were merely a simple administrative body. While in some aspects their authority wasn''t as significant as the federal tax bureaus in various regions, they had a rtively greater hidden power, overseeing the assessment of local tax officials.


    Within a day from the incident, it had already rmed the director-general of the Federal Central Tax Bureau, demanding a swift resolution to the matter to prevent public outrage.


    In another world, there''s a saying, "He who tied the bell to the tiger must take it off." In this world, there were simr thoughts, perhaps expressed in differentnguages and manners, but human thinking and reasoning were alike.


    "Michael''s work over there can be put on hold. Let him temporarily disappear from public view. Additionally, I heard he suspects this Lin Qi might have some issues?"


    The voice of themissioner from the state office carried a hint of indifference, causing the director to feel somewhat nervous. He was already in his fifties, and even if he didn''t want to let others take his ce, he couldn''t hold the position for much longer.


    Especially if his sessor was promoted from below, he would only be able to work here for two or three more years at most. After all, the sessor also needed time to familiarize themselves with the work to better serve the federal government.


    So, he had a small problem to solve. During his approaching retirement, should he enjoy the time when he was going through the retirement process or should he struggle to do strenuous work that wasn''t appreciated?


    Although it was also considered as a kind of promotion, some jobs were easygoing; such as the advisory group under the state office, which didn''t even require one to be present at the workce and only needed to show up and say a few words when required.


    These ces were prepared for the soon-to-retire management. They were rxed, paid well, and offered better treatment. After a lifetime of toil for the federal government, it was afortable retirement position.


    However, there were ces less pleasant, like the state-level archive and evidence management office, where all kinds of records and evidence from the entire state converged, allowing no room for error. The thought of it was terrifying; it was truly a position that would require one to work to death.


    How he progressed and where he was transferred after promotionall of it was decided by the state office. Currently wiping the sweat off his face, he nodded repeatedly, "Yes..."


    "Then investigate Lin Qi thoroughly. If we can prove that Lin Qi is indeed a criminal, it might help calm the public outcry."


    "Furthermore, there are some concerns from higher-ups about your handling in Sabin City. I know you''re retiring soon, but that''s no excuse for inaction. We''re a federal government department, not a private enterprise. If there are suitable reasons found against you in this final stretch, it''s not impossible to have you ousted before retirement."


    This statement made the director''s heart skip a beat. The retirement benchmark for Baylor Federal was fifty-six for females and sixty for males. After retirement, they could receive pensions based on social insurance standards.


    This standard had three main levels: fifteen years, twenty-five years, and thirty-five years, each with four sub-levels. If the director could work in the tax bureau until the age of sixty, he could receive the highest federal pension, roughly around seven hundred and fifty bucks per month.


    This amount might not seem significant to people in manyrge cities, but in Sabin City, it was a substantial sum for retirees, considering that the average ie for workers there was only around two hundred bucks. His ie alone could equal that of three workers.


    But if he fell just short of paying social insurance for thirty-five years, he would only qualify for the second level of retirement benefits, receiving approximately four hundred bucks per month, about half of the full amount.


    The retirement pension system had always been highly praised. What was more unimaginable was that it was not pushed through by the federal government, but rather by major emerging or established capitalist conglomerates.


    Some said it was a policy with hidden agendas because the vast majority of people were unlikely to pay insurance premiums for a full thirty-five years. Life had its unforeseen circumstances, such as changing jobs or unemployment.


    As soon as there was a slight gap in payment time, the maximum benefits would be immediately cut off. This allowed capitalists to exploit employees without worrying about any radical reactions. If employees wanted a less miserable old age, they had to ept oppression obediently.


    Once a person lost their ability to work and their ie source, their value in society would plummet to zero. In a society where valueless individuals couldn''t survive, ordinary people would bear any unfair treatment and exploitation for retirement benefits. Moreover, when facing an investigation, they still had to look like sacrificing their personal interests for thepany was nothing; they were doing it willingly.


    The director also had this anxiety. Therefore, he had to salvage hister life.


    There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then the voice continued, "Let me see some action from you as soon as possible. Understand?"


    The director nodded forcefully. Whether for his reputation or future retirement benefits, he would fiercely defend everything he had. "Understood!"


    In the following days, news and public opinion continued to ferment. Some well-known upper-ss individuals in society gradually began discussing concerns about the uncheckedw enforcement powers held by various enforcement departments. They believed that what happened to Lin Qi or others might potentially happen to them as well.


    The statements of these people received affirmation from many lower-ss individuals in society. However, these lower-ss individuals would never realize that those taking such stances were representatives of the Federal Dream who had risen rapidly in recent years or over the past decade or so. Ironically, they were also the ones who both needed and feared authority.


    However, all these matters were distant from Lin Qi. After resting in the hospital for three days, Lin Qi returned to work. Richard and the others had saved a considerable amount of money. After they exchanged them all at once, they started working busily again.


    Vera also returned to the office. She and her husband had been in a cold war, sleeping in separate rooms for several days.


    The more such situations escted, the more she felt a sense of crisis. If she couldn''t achieve financial independence, she would be left with nothing if there were any family changes.


    "Bos, here''s five thousand..." Richard once again showcased his value at an incredibly high speed.


    During this period, he finally gained some recognition in front of his family. The daily ie, ranging from tens to a couple of hundred, left his family speechless with amazement, and it also allowed him to see a bright future ahead.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 46:

    Chapter 46:


    Zelda() was a privately owned transportationpany that, a few years ago, secured the operating rights for the public transportation in Sabin City for four years, with an option for another four years, through a bidding process.


    The exnation to the public for the four-plus-four-year contract was that if Zelda didn''t perform well in the initial four years, the subsequent four-year contract wouldn''t be renewed. However, in reality, this contract was decided based on the term of the federal president. The inauguration and reelection of each president weren''t solely their own affairs; it involved the entire operation of the federal government''s upper echelon.


    The ministers selected by the president also chose their desired deputies, a process that wasplex yet simple, fundamentally aligning with factions. Initially, many didn''t realize that being president could yield more than just power, but now people knew  it meant wealth.


    Every president, every eight years, brought forth an economic entity born around their ruling authority, which the general public was often unaware of. These financial entities, ostensibly born under the president''s name or surname, tended to hide within other financial groups. For instance, the former president Mr. Joteson() had a Joteson Grouppany hidden from the public eye. This conglomerate was shielded by another financial entity, ensuring that most individuals never directly encountered the name "Joteson" but rather a subsidiary under a certain financial corporation, keeping the truth perpetually elusive to themoners.


    Zelda took advantage of certain advantageous connections. Its boss had a distant rtion to a member of the presidential circle, not too close but not entirely distant either. To say it was a close rtion would be an overstatement, yet it wasn''t distant enough to prevent asional conversations.


    Thus, almost effortlessly, they secured the public transportation operating rights in Sabin City, while, in unseen ces, showing their loyalty by supporting those above them.


    Despite underestimating city public transportation, it was a lucrative business. With a total poption of only 760,000, nearly 200,000 people traveled via public transportation within the city every day. Assuming these were short trips within five kilometers, at a fare of only twenty-five cents, daily ticket sales alone exceeded 50,000 bucks, amounting to millions in monthly revenue.


    Perhaps Zelda''s boss would argue about operational costs such as fuel, staff wages, depreciation, and initial investments when confronted with these figures. Some might be misled by his reasoning, but not everyone, as the city hall provided Zelda Transport() a certain subsidy annually.


    The bidding process wasn''t about how much money they''d take for the entire city''s transportation n; it was about how much minimum funding the government needed to provide for them to sustain themselves.


    Yes, Zelda Transport''s spirit of dedication and sacrifice was touching. Even knowing they wouldn''t profit, they strived to minimize financial subsidies. Why? That was the spirit of sacrifice, burning oneself for others.


    Okay, the aforementioned was pure nonsense.


    At present, within Zelda''spany, personnel from the Financial Crime Investigation Division under the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with representatives from Sabin City''s Federal Tax Bureau, had gathered. Initially unwilling to cooperate with their requests, Zelda''s boss only reluctantly began toply after receiving a phone call.


    He signed several agreements under the scrutiny of cameras and watched as these people dumped baskets of coins into a pool and then fished them out to dry. He also witnessed them roll some transparent colorless ink onto one and two-buck bills, leaving the rest to their devices.


    The federal higher-ups were highly dissatisfied with thew enforcement scandal erupting in Sabin City. Consequently, the Bureau of Investigation had intervened in the criminal activities here. It was rumored that the higher-ups in the Bureau of Investigation were furious; some confused them with the Tax Bureau, although most of the time, it was indeed the Bureau of Investigation causing trouble.


    This prompted their decision to cooperate with the Tax Bureau to suppress the outcry and scandal arising from Sabin City. If they could prove Lin Qi guilty, everything would be easier.


    Firstly, as per the customary procedure, the primary factor in targeting the business akin to that of Lin Qi and Mr. Fox was to ascertain that Lin Qi was providing the essential ''ammunition'' for Mr. Fox tounder money.


    His legality could be exined as exploiting legal loopholes, which the Tax Bureau could nullify by introducing local legition to challenge the legality of Lin Qi''s business and incarcerate him.


    This required aplete chain of evidence"evidence" manufactured in the presence of third parties or more, flowing naturally into Lin Qi''s hands, then personally delivered by Mr. Fox to the Tax Bureau for verification. On-site enforcement of ie brought in by Mr. Fox was the evidence of Tax Bureau infiltration into the market. If it surpassed a certain proportion, the judge would acknowledge the entire criminal process, affirming the illegal transactions between Lin Qi and Mr. Fox.


    To umte arge quantity of coins without alerting these people, they specifically sought out Zelda Transport. The investigators, who had been eyeing Richard for a few days, led this transaction, receiving five thousand bucks in coins at once, with the promise of continuous supply.


    Zelda Transport required at least one armored vehicle daily to deliver this money for registration at the Tax Bureau before being deposited into banks. This wasn''t because they had too much idle time, but because the money was simply "too much." If someone could exchange them all into paper currency, it would actually save Zelda Transport from additional expenses in some ways.


    And there existed significant profits in this situation. Calcting on a single point, even if only half the coins, say about twenty thousand, were present, the person managing this transaction would still pocket at least two hundred bucks as an extra benefit.


    Not illegal, not against regtions, not misappropriatingsimply a switch from the left hand to the right, putting a few hundred more into their pockets. Why refuse?


    Moreover, this money didn''t just flow to Lin Qi; it circted throughout Sabin City. The fury of the Bureau of Investigation and the Tax Bureau had to engulf the entire city to be quenched.


    Under ultraviolet light, the ring fluorescence of these coins seemed to form smiling faces. Lin Qi poured chemical cleaning solution into the container, quickly corroding the fluorescence on the coins.


    He had washed them a total of four times before he couldpletely clean off all the fluorescence, but it was worthwhile.


    After wiping his hands, he exited the warehouse, smiled at Vera who nced back at him, and then walked to the desk, picking up the phone. "Mr. Fox, you can arrange for someone to pick up the goods now."


    After hanging up the phone, he tore off the check''s stub and handed it to Verabesides being a mere check, the check and check''s stub contained invisible information to the naked eye. When necessary, the tax bureau would use this check stub to cross-verify the cashed amount in the bank, confirming whether the relevant numbers in the ount book, including the check Lin Qi gave to Richard, had any discrepancies.


    Apart from the check''s stub, there were legally effective stubs registered by thepany, Triplicate Receipts(). Since they were doing it, they couldn''t leave any loopholes behind.


    After watching Veraplete these tasks, Lin Qi casually leaned on the back of her chair, a slight touch against her body. Vera instinctively moved forward, and Lin Qi, as if oblivious to it all, inquired about her well-being, "You seem," he shrugged, "...a little worn out. Is something going on? Do you need help?"


    Vera managed a faint smile. "Nothing...," she averted her gaze elsewhere and casually fixed some stray hair behind her ear.


    With a few strands of hair framing her fair cheeks, emitting a delightful fragrance, Lin Qi ced his hand on her shoulder, genuinely stating, "We''re friends. If there''s anything you need from me or anywhere I can help you, let me know, anytime."


    Thankful, Vera looked back at him, nodding involuntarily. "I will."


    Everyone was unique and precious in their own right, a statement mostly urate. However, when some startedparing people, some were as valuable as treasures while others were seen as worthless.


    Lin Qi''s eyes seemed to be able to speak. The two locked gazes for around three, four, five, six, seven, eight seconds, before Lin Qi nodded and decisively turned to leave.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 47:

    Chapter 47:


    Later in the afternoon, around four o''clock, just before the tax office closed, Mr. Fox had someone take the money and all the various ticket stubs to the tax office for registration.


    Federalw mandated that any deposit exceeding five thousand bucks into a bank required legitimate proof.


    The proof wasn''t just about the money being genuine, but also the means by which it was acquired and whether taxes were paid on it.


    Without such proof, the bank wouldn''t ept the cash, leading to an increase in monitoring and response levels for the rted ounts.


    Some individuals used rtively simple methods to manage these funds, such as dividing ten thousand bucks into ten parts, having ten different people deposit them into their ounts, and then transferring them to a specified ount.


    This was an effective way to evade the federal government''s Regtions on Management of Large Amounts of Cash (). So why didn''t more people use this method?


    The reason was equally simple actually. Once the bank noticed a concentrated transfer, considering the risk too high, they would freeze the iing and outgoing ounts until both parties provided sufficient evidence proving the money''s legality.


    In cases where they couldn''t prove the legitimacy of the funds, the bank would confiscate this amount and voluntarily pay a special tax to the tax authorities on this money, absorbing it into their own system.


    If the ount owner objected, they could pursue legal action. However, most ounts facing such issues ended up epting the loss rather than risking losing both the money and their freedom.


    Apart from banks monitoring various ounts, the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Federal Bureau Of Investigation also scrutinized these ounts. While some survivors existed, more often than not, they were caught by people''s scrutiny.


    Numerous cases repeatedly reminded people that they could break thew but couldn''t avoid paying taxes.


    Mr. Fox''s nephew and several subordinates drove a box truck to deliver the money to the tax office for registration. After obtaining the form stamped with the Sabin City tax registration seal, they arrived at the nearby Prosperity Bank(). This bank has been in existence for a very long time and was also one of the six major banks in the empire.


    Its founder originated from the precursor of the Baylor Federation, the Prince of Prosperity() during the Baylor Empire era. Although the empire had fallen, certain elements were preserved.


    As the group pushed the cart used to transport change into the bank, a huge crystal chandelier, hanging from a height of at least twenty meters above the ground, illuminated. The light passed through each crystal facet, reaching every corner of the bank.


    The daily-maintained marble floor resembled a mirror, hiding rare golden natural marble that shimmered under the light, exuding an aura of opulence.


    It felt like a golden temple, exuding an air of dignity in every corner.


    An exceptionally poised bank manager stood by the door, exuding a warm smile as he approached. He continually inquired and filled out a form on his clipboard while ncing at the tax registration form held by the person in charge of the cart.


    Though referred to as a bank manager, he was actually a client manager at Prosperity Bank. There were at least twenty such managers in this hall, each with their own offices and clientele.


    "Wait a moment, let me make a deration..." the manager said as he arranged for some coffee and snacks to be brought in. He then proceeded to the administrative office. This was a standard procedure.


    Handling a substantial cash deposit required considerable manpower for "screening." The bank had a screening process akin to a farmer''s sieve, where, through continuous manual sorting, coins of different denominations and sizes would fall through different holes, expediting the counting process.


    Although this was considered swift for the bank, it still took some time.


    At that moment, while Mr. Fox savored his Colofu, the phone behind him suddenly rang. He took a drag, sucking in the dense smoke into his mouth like a viscous liquid. He swirled his tongue, savoring the dispersing molecules, each offering a delightful sensation.


    Upon the third ring, he blinked and approached the desk to answer, "Hello, Gettnau Financial()..."


    The sweet voice of a young woman immediately responded from the other end, "Dear Mr. Fox, I''m calling from the Prosperity Bank''s telephone service department. There''s an anomaly with your ount at our branch. If you have time, kindly visit the nearby Prosperity Bank for resolution..."


    "My ount has an issue?" Mr. Fox didn''t immediately grasp that this was a trap, nor did he realize he was the target. He simply thought his recent cash checks might have caused a problem due to certain widely known reasons, as counterfeit cash checks urred frequently in the Baylor Federation each year.


    Despite efforts to secure cash checks, counterfeiting was challenging to eradicate entirely. Additionally, in this era before the electronic information age, cashing checks across states was aplex and lengthy process for banks but a momentary affair for forgers.


    This resulted in hundreds of disputes annually. Most of the time, banks tried to deflect responsibility, seeking issues with the check''s owner to minimize their liability.


    Whenever something like this urred, they would notify the ount owner to resolve the matter at the bank or upgrade their cash checks.


    Mr. Fox hung up the phone with minor annoyance, and promptly made his way to the bank with his son. However, to his surprise, his men were still in the manager''s office, and the money had not yet been deposited. Today''s pace seemed slower than usual.


    "Not done yet?" He furrowed his brow. At his age, he had outgrown extreme emotions and unexpected changes. Each unpredictable event now only caused annoyance.


    The manager nodded, "There are more people here for transactions today, so we can''t spare too many hands at the moment. Please wait a little longer..."


    Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Mr. Fox, at least two cameras and a video recorder were aimed at him. When the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau coborated to deal with an individual, especially a potential criminal, there wasn''t much waiting required.


    "It''s about time to act..."


    Before Mr. Fox could approach the service desk, a man who appeared to be a bank employee walked in. The manager left the room, and the neer, holding a clipboard, smilingly gestured toward the nearby couch, "Please, take a seat."


    This series of strange actions instantly raised Mr. Fox''s suspicion. Most people engaging in troublesome activities tended to remain alert for extended periods.


    Rather thanplying, he furrowed his brow and asked, "Who are you?"


    The man smiled but didn''t respond to Mr. Fox''s question. Instead, he signaled the workers in the office counting the coins to halt. To conclusively corner these individuals, the Federal Tax Bureau employed the tactics suggested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


    Not moving the coins was topletely cut off Mr. Fox''s final excusepossible recement of the money once it left their sight.


    Though it seemed foolish, it was effective. The directive from above was to resolve the matter swiftly. Speed was paramount.


    The man leisurely unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the ID tucked in his pocket and the badge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, "Financial Crimes Investigation Unit, Mr. Fox, please have a seat. I''m afraid that after you hear what I''m about to say, you might not be able to stand steady..."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 48:

    Chapter 48:


    Inside the room, Mr. Fox''s expression was as calm as ever, showing no significant change from the moment before. But only he knew that his scalp was tingling intermittently.


    People often joked about the Federal Tax Bureau, suggesting that getting on their bad side could lead to financial ruin. However, there was notably less humor directed towards the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


    It was not that there was ack of material for joking about the Federal Bureau of Investigation or that they didn''t make mistakes. On the contrary, the Bureau faced numerousw enforcement disputes and even idents every year. However, few openly criticized them.


    This was because while the Federal Tax Bureau might make one''s life unbearable, the Federal Bureau of Investigation could directly end it. Hence, there weren''t many who constantlyined about their treatment.


    When the other party revealed their identity, Mr. Fox''s legs were starting to feel shaky.


    For a while, he just stared at the man.


    However, his son and his men had gradually recovered from their shock. Moreover, when they noticed the intense stare between Mr. Fox and the bureau agent, they seemed to have found their backbone, regaining their courage and ring murderously at the agent.


    But only Mr. Fox himself knew that he needed topose himself; otherwise, his legs would give way, and he would kneel.


    After a moment, he took a deep breath, nodded, and said, "Fine." He turned around, sat down, and added, "I''m curious to see why you can make me feel unsteady."


    His performance was impressive. Even Mr. Fox''s son felt it was a shining moment in his father''s life. However, only Mr. Fox knew that his heart was racing at a hundred and eighty beats per minute.


    The Federal Bureau of Investigation agent maintained a persistent smile, a confident one. He raised an eyebrow and said with an expression of regret. "You definitely won''t like to hear this..." He paused for a moment before continuing. "We, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have had our eye on you for some time now."


    In another room, the Federal Tax Bureau investigator nced at the Federal Bureau of Investigation agent beside him, who responded with a subtle nod.


    The problemy in prioritization. Conflicts between individuals aremon, let alone between two top-tier organizations.


    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Tax Bureau, although belonging to different fields, had ovepping areas in authority and function.


    For instance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation''s Financial Crimes Investigation Division dealt with crimes rted to finance. Often, these crimes were associated with tax evasion. Criminals would hide ounts to avoid discovery, leading to tax evasion. Thus, these two factions had inherent conflicts, albeit not always overtly or entirely restrained.


    With just one sentence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation agent from the Financial Crimes Investigation Division took all the credit for the investigation. These recordings would eventually surface in court and possibly the media.


    The statement "We''ve had our eye on you for some time" was enough to demonstrate the Federal Bureau of Investigation''s foresight in front of everyone. It revealed that they had actually already noticed the moneyundering activities of Mr. Fox and others. It was just that they hadn''t gathered enough evidence to incriminate them yet. However, the foolish Federal Tax Bureau''s reckless actions almost jeopardized their entire operation.


    Fortunately, the Federal Bureau of Investigation managed to rectify everything in the end. Not only did it earn a glimmer of sess for the entire Bureau, but it also gave a slight blow to the Federal Tax Bureau.


    If this had happened under normal circumstances, the Tax Bureau would''ve certainly sent people in to turn the tables. However, now they''d made a mess of things themselves. The priority was to resolve the current issues first. There would be plenty of time to regain ground in the future.


    Mr. Fox remained silent, his mind rapidly spinning. How could his inconspicuous financial firm attract the Federal Bureau of Investigation''s attention? Did they have nothing better to do with their time?


    However, the agent didn''t stop because of Mr. Fox''s silence; instead, he hastened his speech.


    When the amount of information exceeds a person''s peak processing capacity within a short period, it can lead to confusion during thought processes, making it easy to misspeak or say things that shouldn''t be said.


    "Sincest month, we''ve noticed increased activity in your business, particrly the elerated pace of your moneyundering..."


    It was said to best month, but in reality, it was just a little over ten days ago, precisely when Lin Qi and hepleted their first transaction. With a substantial amount of loose change flowing in, it caused his daily reported ie to increase gradually. Surely, it would draw the attention of certain individuals. However, Mr. Fox was unaware that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had also taken notice of him.


    He remained silent. But the agent continued, "Based on our investigation," taking several photos from a clipboard and cing them on the table. The photos included Mr. Fox with Lin Qi and photos of his subordinates handling money. "After meeting Lin Qi, you both established a set of more advanced moneyundering procedures on top of your existing ones."


    "Lin Qi scavenged untraceable loose change for you and designed a new fee system, allowing you to swiftly turn your illegal ie into legal ones and deposit it in banks."


    "Mr. Fox, while running a financialpany, profiting from illegal high-interest rates, you''ve also beenundering money privately. Be it the district court, state court, or even the highest court, your sentence won''t be less than twenty years. This is not an exaggeration."


    The agent''s casual remarks caused Mr. Fox''s son and subordinates to draw in a sharp breath. Given Mr. Fox''s current age, if he were incarcerated, let alone twenty years, surviving ten years would be incredibly tough. It seemed like their n was to ensure Mr. Fox died in prison.


    Mr. Fox''s eyes twitched. "Where''s the evidence?" His voice started low but quickly rose. "You''ve said so much; you must have evidence. You say I charged high-interest rates, who can testify to that?!"


    "You say Iundered money, but all my earnings are legitimate!"


    "If you have no evidence, I''ll sue you for defamation!" He took out his business card holder, handed a card to his son, and said, "Go outside and call thewyer, immediately."


    The agent pointed at the table. "We have a phone here. You can make the call here."


    Mr. Fox sneered, "I suspect you''re recording..." He then nced at his son, gripping his hand. "Make the call outside! Do it quick!"


    Mr. Fox wasn''t sure if his son had grasped his hint. He had given a secret signal, telling his son to finish the call and note back, so as to avoid being implicated altogether.


    Over the years, he had hidden quite a bit of cash and valuables everywhere. In case things went awry, his son could use these things to flee the country. Although he''d be trapped, at least he''d secure his child''s safety.


    Isn''t a person''s life, aside from their own, all about the next generation?


    However, sometimes things don''t go as nned. After his son made the call, he returned, prompting Mr. Fox to sigh heavily and re at his foolish son.


    The agent watched Mr. Fox''s son leave and return, almostughing out. He couldn''t demand that a person not clearly linked to a case stay. But if they chose to remain, how would he refuse?


    He nced at his wristwatch and said. "I hope yourwyer arrives quickly. Otherwise, you might have to spend the night at our facility..." He shrugged. "The environment there isn''t great; it''s drafty, the walls are like cages, and it stinks. The toilet and bedroom are in the same ce."


    It was an obvious threat. Anyone would feel they had the upper hand. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation started arranging to apprehend Lin Qi once the evidence was revealed. Once Mr. Fox admitted guilt, even if Lin Qi''s business wasn''t legally forbidden, he''d still be implicated. The recent public chatter would then swing in a different direction.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 49:

    Chapter 49:


    Lin Qi sat in the office, gazing at the unchanging view outside the window. Apart from the industrial forklifts shuttling back and forth in the warehouse area, there were also some "blue-overall workers."


    The so-called "blue-overall workers" were people doing odd jobs in the warehouse area. Theycked stable work and ie but needed to support themselves or even their families.


    These individuals were mostly in theirte thirties or older. Theycked the foundation and time to learn certain survival skills,cking mental capacity and energy.


    They could only exchange their physicalbor here for meager earnings. Not everyone renting the warehouses could afford a forklift, and not all goods were suitable for forklift use, which created a space for these workers to survive.


    Suddenly, there was a knocking sound at the office door. After Lin Qi called out, "Come in." Vera stood awkwardly at the door for a few seconds before stepping into the room.


    She wasn''t entirelyfortable being alone with Lin Qi in such a closed environment. This setting tended to lead to unwarranted thoughts, be they good or bad.


    She was unsure how to position her hands, one supporting her elbow while the other nervously fidgeted with her hair by her ear. "Just now, when I was standing at the door, I noticed someone seemed to be watching us."


    Lin Qi raised an eyebrow. He turned and stood up, walking to the window to nce outside. With just one look, he spotted the "people" Vera mentioned.


    This also reminded him of the first time he met Mr. Fox, during which Mr. Fox was confident that he wasn''t working for the federal government.


    The people outside were dressed formally, wearing sunsses, and had slicked-back hair, giving off a vibe that they might whip out their IDs and badges at any moment. It was nearly thirty degrees Celsius in Sabin City during the day, making even wearing long sleeves feel stifling, yet these individuals...


    He withdrew his gaze. Law enforcement agencies were never fools. If they were, they wouldn''t have caught so many criminals.


    The tant surveince wasn''t so much surveince as it was a warning to Lin Qi, advising him not to act rashly. It was also exerting psychological pressure, waiting for him to make a mistake.


    The enforcement authority of the investigation bureau had long been criticized, especially for its extensive discretionary power. ording to the current regtions andws, when the Bureau of Investigation suspected someone of a crime and, during the process of requesting cooperation or monitoring the individual, if the target suddenly made a dangerous move like harming others, themselves, or attempting to escape, the involved agents could immediately make an arrest and then seek evidence and apply for an arrest warrant.


    Lin Qi was just a twenty-year-old. If they could pressure him to flee, the people outside might not even need clearance from headquarters to arrest him right away.


    Of course, that was only part of the reason.


    "You go back first. There might be some danger hereter," Lin Qi took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. Lately, he had been using his brain a lot and couldn''t resist the urge to find something to calm his emotions while contemting.


    When the human brain is active, emotions tend to fluctuate ordingly. However, rational thinking fears such fluctuations, whether they are exhrating or agitating, as they hold little meaning or value for the thought process itself.


    A cigarette could resolve these issues, separating thought from emotion.


    He lit one and looked at Vera. "They won''t harm you. You can go back safely. Wait for my call, I''ll tell you when toe back to work."


    Vera wanted to say something but ended up staying silent. She nodded her head quietly and started to pack her things before leaving. But just as she was about to leave, Lin Qi,ing out from the inner room, pointed at the trash bag in the room. "Could you please take the trash with you as well? Thanks."


    Watching Vera leave, Lin Qi closed the warehouse door with the cigarette in his mouth. He picked up the phone and dialed the number of a certain office. "I need to report... Yes, I found someone surveilling me... No, this isn''t my imagination. They are outside... Yes... My address is..." After providing his address, he hung up and calmly contemted.


    He had already removed the bulbs from the ultravioletmp and smashed them along with several other ordinary bulbs, instructing Vera to take them away.


    He had also poured the chemical cleaning agents into the sewer. Such items weremon in the warehouse area and wouldn''t raise any suspicions.


    Thinking that he hadn''t overlooked much, he sat by the table near the warehouse door, smoking and waiting for the police to arrive.


    From the start, he knew these people would eventually make a move. So naturally, he had everything under control. From his current perspective, his business might have a few minor issues, but overall, he was innocent.


    Just because something wasn''t prohibited byw didn''t necessarily make it legal. It was a blurry line, prompting the enactment of many newws every year.


    Calling the police was merely to prevent these people outside from fabricating evidence. During this time, he had been continuously learning about this world. The Federal Tax Bureau wasn''t a transparent department - he didn''t yet know that the people outside were from the federal bureau of investigation, but his caution was crucial.


    From the information Lin Qi had gathered, the methods of the Federal Tax Bureau were somewhat shady. They encouraged certain individuals to step forward and report, offering them amnesty. Moreover, due to certain confidentiality systems, they wouldn''t disclose the informants'' identities to the public.


    There were too many variables to manipte in this situation. Besides these, Lin Qi believed they might fabricate evidence, especially when the public opinion across the federation was still fermenting. To overturn the situation, manufacturing some false evidence was eptable.


    So, he called the police. The police and the Federal Tax Bureau weren''t part of the same system and had certain unseenpetitions between them. Their presence would somewhat bnce out the whole "process."


    A few minutester, the guy who was tailing Lin Qi was left dumbfounded as two police cars stopped outside the warehouse. Some officers, even upon noticing him, drew their weapons and approached. He radioed the situation while heading toward the officers.


    Simultaneously, inside the warehouse, Lin Qi watched through the window as the guy outside, unmistakably working for the federal government, raised his hands, holding his credentials. After retracting his gaze, he signaled to two officers who were taking statements. The two officers approached the window to observe before one went outside to assess the situation.


    About a minuteter, the two investigation bureau agents, along with the police, entered Lin Qi''s office. It was only then that Lin Qi realized these people weren''t from the Tax Bureau; they were from the investigation bureau. He also realized they weren''t just surveilling; at least, not solely surveilling.


    Due to the intervention of a third party, in this case, the police, an arrest operation was initiated. To say it was disrupted didn''t seem right because the person was there and hadn''t fled, but to say it wasn''t disrupted seemed slightly off.


    The agents immediately reported the situation here to the task force responsible for collecting evidence in Prosperity Bank. The team leader decisively requested bringing Lin Qi to the bank for further cooperation, citing investigative purposes.


    Whom were they investigating?


    Certainly, it was Mr. Fox, and the charge was moneyundering.


    This decision was extremely decisive. Bringing Lin Qi here would increase psychological pressure on Mr. Fox''s group, making them feel trapped and potentially prompting them to give up resisting under the strain.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 50:

    Chapter 50:


    "He''s starting to panic..." Somewhere unseen by the group, someone was observing the situation inside the room. The moment Lin Qi entered the room, Mr. Fox''s eyes showed evident signs of panic. Their n was working.


    Most criminals, when caught alone, wouldn''t tend to be excessively afraid. They would choose what to confess, divert attention, or shift me onto others to mitigate their own guilt.


    However, when two or more aplices were apprehended, an uncontroble panic would spread among them. They would start considering whether others have confessed, what they confessed, how they confessed, and if it aligns with their own statements or thoughts.


    In such circumstances, two scenarios would arise. The first would beplete silence, a rarity seen maybe once in three to five years. The other scenario would involve excessive talking, where there would be nothing left to hide, and they would spill everything.


    The Financial Crime Investigation Division was just a small department, but it was, after all, an agency under the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Dealing with various criminals every day, they knew how to exert pressure on suspects and also knew how to obtain what they wanted.


    As Lin Qi entered the room, he saw Mr. Fox attempting to stand but refraining from doing so. The situation was delicate. After giving the other a reassuring nce, Lin Qi calmly sat on the sofa.


    Hisposed demeanor calmed Mr. Fox down. Some thoughts that hadn''t urred to him before started surfacingsuch as Lin Qi''s instructions, strictly not epting any change from others.


    Lin Qi might have foreseen this. He had made preparations. With this thought, Mr. Fox, who had been tensed, began to rx, both in expression and physically.


    The expert in the room frowned, observing Mr. Fox''s changes. Although unclear why Lin Qi''s presence didn''t increase Mr. Fox''s stress but rather rxed him, it was evidently not a good sign.


    He immediately instructed the members of the task force in the room to proceed without waiting for thewyer. Simultaneously, a somewhat unbelievable assumption formed in the expert''s mind: in this whole case, the true mastermind wasn''t Mr. Fox, the old fox, but the seemingly unremarkable young man, Lin Qi.


    Thus, a sense of impending disaster brewed within him. Mistakenly identifying the primary and secondary targets, and employing different strategies, the oue would inevitably be unpredictable.


    It was akin to torturing a soldier that wouldn''t shake a kingdom. Misidentifying priorities meant they couldn''t apprehend the pivotal figures!


    The task force member in the office was taken aback for a moment. Clearing his throat, he nced at Lin Qi and spoke, "You Mr. Lin Qi has just arrived and may not be aware of why we''ve invited you all here..."


    As he spoke, Mr. Fox suddenly interjected, "Until thewyer arrives, we refuse to answer any questions!"


    The agent who was initially a bit casual sneered, pointing rudely at Mr. Fox, and retorted, "You can shut up. I wasn''t talking to you!" After a brief stare-down, he turned to Lin Qi. "We''ve received a tip-off alleging that you''ve been involved in criminal activities such as moneyundering through aundry shop. Do you admit to it?"


    This question seemed like child''s y. Asking someone to admit to a crime - how could a real criminal possibly confess?


    Well, truth be told, the agent thought Lin Qi seemed young and thought he''d take a chance to bluff a bit. No harm in trying, right? But what if it actually worked? Thing was, there were a bunch of recording devices and cameras in the room. No matter what face he put on, even a smirk hinting at something, or just a yful nod, they could all be used as evidence.


    Evidence relied on objective facts. No matter what Lin Qi thought internally, if he admitted or made any action implying admission, the court would consider it a confession.


    This tactic was highly effective against young people. Their desire and impulse to challenge authority due to their young age could lead them into trouble if unchecked.


    In the agent''s expectations, Lin Qi''s expression and actions seemed deliberate. He initially furrowed his brow, then looked thoroughly confused, as if saying, "What a load of crap."


    Of course, Lin Qi was a well-educated young man. He wouldn''t be so rude. After a few seconds, as if following a script, he continued, "Where''s the evidence?" He spoke, leaning back, allowing his back to rest against the sofa''s backrest, slightly spreading his hands. "Though I don''t have awyer, I still know that any usation requires evidence, including questioning and interrogation..." He nced at Mr. Fox, and after a brief eye contact, Mr. Fox stood up.


    Lin Qi nodded slightly, tilting his head, watching Mr. Fox''s next move as if enjoying a show.


    "If Mr. Lin Qi hadn''t reminded me, I would''ve forgotten. You''ve forcibly detained me here. Do you have a summons? Do you have an arrest warrant?" Mr. Fox immediately protested.


    From a judicial process perspective, whether it was the Bureau of Investigation or the Tax Bureau, appropriate authorizations were necessary for enforcement actions. For instance, the Bureau of Investigation needed summonses to question individuals or arrest warrants to apprehend someone.


    Even the Federal Bureau of Investigation needed to present legal justifications; otherwise, the entire process would be illegitimate.


    The young agent''s eyelid twitched. Unexpected things began unfolding. In less than three minutes since Lin Qi''s arrival, the situation had started slipping out of control. This made the young agent feel a bit anxious.


    In another room, another expert immediately contacted the agent via microphone, "Tell them we''ve apprehended them at the scene. ording to Baylor Federation Act No. 43, enforcement during themission of a crime can dy the application for relevant legal documents..."


    Inside the room, the young agent reiterated in a steady tone, "ording to Baylor Federation Act No. 43..."


    Before he could finish, Lin Qi, with a half-smile, asked, "So, you don''t have any evidence to prove that Mr. Fox and I are involved in illegal activities?"


    This question implied that if there were evidence, they wouldn''t be having a conversation here; they would''ve been apprehended earlier.


    The young agent pursed his lips, taking about ten seconds before responding, "We''ve been tracking moneyundering activities in Sabin City and noticed your involvement. We possess legal documents proving our actions arewful, and this money is evidence of your crime!"


    It seemed the Bureau of Investigation didn''t intend to continue ying word games with Lin Qi and Mr. Fox. The expressions of everyone in the room were somewhat... grim. They all understood that due to the misunderstanding of the rtionship between Mr. Fox and Lin Qi, this operation might face unexpected twists or even failure.


    The only hope nowy in this money. If they could confirm Lin Qi''s involvement inundering money for Mr. Fox, even if the entire procedure was legitimate, it would incriminate them.


    Sometimes, just because thew doesn''t prohibit certain actions doesn''t mean they''re inherently legal. Even if legal, due to procedural issues, they might still be illegal, like the difference between bribery and donations.


    The determination depended on procedures. As long as the judge was willing to ept the Investigation Bureau''s perspective and nail Mr. Fox forundering money through theundry shop, then Lin Qi, who supplied the change, would be deemed an aplice. This was their initial idea.


    Mr. Fox''splexion didn''t improve. "Mywyer hasn''t arrived yet..."


    However, Lin Qi raised his hand to interrupt him. "Let them present it." Lin Qi''s statement made Mr. Fox forego his demands, further convincing the Investigation Bureau expert that Lin Qi was the true orchestrator.


    The young agent stared at Lin Qi for a while before nodding slightly. "We shall wait and see!"


    Soon, an employee brought in a handheld ultravioletmp. The agent held it and ordered the employee to draw the curtains and turn off the lights in the room. "We''ve marked this money. You can''t escape!" He stated it firmly.


    Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 51:

    Chapter 51:


    It was deadly silent!


    Whether in this room or the adjacent one, the atmosphere was eerily silent.


    Aside from the purple light source revealing nothing but a stter of stains in the corner, there was nothing remotely startling that could catch one''s attention, not even the slightest bit!


    In the adjacent room, the team leader of the operation mmed the table abruptly. ording to the n, these coins were supposed to serve as evidence, having undergone special processing that gave them a fluorescent reaction. Once these pieces of evidence were illuminated, it would be sufficient to demonstrate that Lin Qi had hired individuals to gather coins from the market, with the intention of delivering them to Mr. Fox. The objective was to swiftly cleanse the illicit funds in Mr. Fox''s possession through theunderette''s value-added service and subsequently deposit them into the bank.


    It was aplete process, and although from the current perspective, each step seemed legitimate, any person with a functioning brain could discern something illicit within each seeminglywful step.


    For instance, in Mr. Fox''sundry shop, the cost of washing a piece of clothing might exceed its actual value.


    Or, for example, thoseundering the clothes kept stuffing clean clothes back in for repeated washing, which in itself posed a problem.


    Everyone who learned about this case could identify its issues. However, detecting problems didn''t necessarily mean someone must ept legal consequences.


    Everyone knew one shouldn''t do wrong, but there were always those whomitted wrongdoings and eluded justice because evidence wascking.


    The value of evidence andw extended beyond just apprehending wrongdoers; it was also to prevent certain special groups from recklessly controlling the country and society.


    Everyone had to abide by the rules of the game; whoever broke the rules would be everyone''s enemy.


    They needed evidence for the judge to consider their arguments. However, the problem now was their inability to produce evidence, even though everyone knew something was fishy about the group in the room.


    The coins lying quietly in the cart showed no suggestive fluorescent reaction, pitch ck without a visible mark.


    After about a minute of dead silence, the agent forcefully tapped the ultravioletmp several times and loudly requested a recement, suspecting an issue with themp.


    The newly deliveredmp yielded the same resultno evidence to shake anyone to the core. It was then that he, along with those behind him, realized why Lin Qi had remained soposed from the outset; he must have known the methods of the investigative bureau.


    The task force and experts were deliberating on how to remedy the situation, which was whyundering money with coins was proving difficult to nail down with evidence.


    Unlike bills, coinscked serial numbers or any other identifiable features, making evidence collection challenging. They had considered using fluorescent agents, but even that had failed.


    The lights in the room flickered back on. Lin Qi chuckled softly, "I still don''t understand. Where is the evidence?" His fingers tapped the sofa armrest, emitting a hollow sound. "Our time is precious..."


    After a period of discussion, the task force leader sighed. Detaining these people had lost its value at this stage.


    The agent in the room gazed dismally at Lin Qi. Ever since Lin Qi arrived, the situation had gradually spun out of control. The entire task force realized that Lin Qi might have seen through their tactics early on. They wrongly assumed that Fox was the mastermind behind everything, which was their primary mistake.


    The young agent packed up and approached Lin Qi. Assessing Lin Qi, who fearlessly maintained hisposure, the agent stared into his eyes for a moment and pointed a finger at Lin Qi''s chest. "We''ll get you."


    Lin Qi, with a sly smile, replied, "I look forward to that day."


    Once the agent left, the tension in the room dissipated. Mr. Fox, who had been standing, suddenly sat down as his legs began to weaken.


    He didn''t expect that not only did he alert the tax bureau but also the investigative bureau. This smooth acquittal made him feel like he had a narrow escape or a second chance at life.


    However, Lin Qi''s face didn''t show much joy. Just as Mr. Fox was about to say something, Lin Qi signaled him with his eyes, coincidentally at that moment, Mr. Fox''swyer finally arrived.


    Apologizing for his tardiness as he adjusted his tie, thewyer said, "The downtown area was too congested at this time. I got stuck at several traffic lights..."


    Mr. Fox looked displeased. He took out his checkbook, wrote a hundred-buck check, and stuffed it into thewyer''s jacket pocket. "You can go now!"


    Although thewyer didn''t quiteprehend what had happened, he realized he might have ruined his business inadvertently. He attempted to exin that histeness wasn''t intentional, but it was evident that Mr. Fox was unwilling to engage with him, indicating that the situation was irredeemable.


    After thewyer left, Lin Qi finally reminded them, "Weren''t you here for some business...?"


    Later on, in private, the two had a brief chat, and it was evident that the day''s events had left Mr. Fox quite reflective.


    "Don''tugh at me, but my legs are still a bit weak now..." He patted his knee. "Even the investigation bureau has gotten involved. So... Shall we run away?"


    In essence, his Gettnau Financial was just thata financialpany, nowhere near the various major crime syndicates cklisted by major institutions. Compared to those major crime syndicates, he wasn''t really that prominent.


    He had never experienced such a situation before; at most, he had dealt with the tax bureau and local police. Now, involving the federal bureau of investigation indicated that he might have to enjoy the treatment usually reserved for major crime syndicate leaders.


    Twenty-four-hour surveince without respite, phone taps, even invasions of office or private spaces for buggingeverything would be thoroughly investigated, all in an attempt to throw him into prison.


    Just the thought made him feel anxious. Although he had this awareness, it didn''t mean he was willing to go to jail.


    In contrast, Lin Qi remainedposed, unruffled. "We''re conducting legitimate business activities protected by federalw. Why should we run?" He casually flipped through a newspaper on the nearby table. "Remember, keep your ounts clean, be transparent, and don''t give them a chance to nail you."


    "If they can''t pin anything on you, they won''t uncover those ck holes you''ve hidden. The judge won''t ept their arguments, and the public won''t tolerate their abuse of power."


    "The more afraid you are, the more it suggests your guilt. The more you seem guilty, the more people believe you have something to hide. When that dayes, even if you''re innocent, people will think you''re guilty and will also agree with actions that, in our eyes, seem out of line."


    "So, there''s no need to fear. Just do what needs to be done. As long as we handle things well, no one can touch us."


    "After all, this is a society governed byw."


    Mr. Fox had no idea where Lin Qi found the confidence to face the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau with such determination, attributing it solely to the young man''s audacity.


    However, something seemed to be changing within him inwardly.


    This sudden, bizarre summons hadn''t changed much. Well, perhaps it would change someone or a family, but not Lin Qi and his family.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 52:

    Chapter 52:


    The director of the Federal Tax Bureau in Sabin City had an unremarkable name: Johnson().


    Johnson didn''t have an illustrious background. In the past, during an era when people firmly believed that ideals could be achieved through hard work, as long as one dared to strive and had courage, coupled with a bit of luck, it wasn''t difficult to stand out from the crowd.


    But nowadays, without any other assistance, being the director of a second-tier city''s tax bureau was the ceiling for Johnson.


    Now, his concerns revolved around how to secure his maximum retirement benefits and make his final years less agonizing.


    Many would assume that a federal tax bureau director, even one from a small city, should be a secretive millionaire with numerous bank ounts and properties. However, this wasn''t the case.


    The lives of most of these federal officials, who hovered between high and low, were far more modest than people imagined... In contrast, the ie of those genuine grassroots workers, frontline personnel, tended to be moreplex.


    For a lower-level administrative manager, monitored by the inspection department, who spent all day in an office, where could they acquire illicit ie?


    However, various donations and social welfare benefits did exist as legitimate sources of ie.


    The high sries and top-notch social insurance provided by the federal government were meant to minimize their susceptibility to negative influences and prevent them from bing pawns for certain individuals.


    Of course, this didn''t entirely mean Johnson was destitute. Sometimes poverty wasn''t merely about describing wealth; it also described power.


    In short, he was someone who had less than those above him but more than those below him in terms of wealth. It would be even better if he could secure his retirement pension.


    At this moment, he was deeply troubled. The joint operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau had failed. This meant he couldn''t swiftly ease the current situation. If the higher-ups truly became enraged, his days ahead wouldn''t be pleasant.


    Now, he regretted having indulged Michael because, nearing retirement, he was reluctant to offend anyone further. This had gradually led to him overlooking the shorings of those under his supervision.


    While he was scratching his head, the phone rang. He furrowed his brow; from the signal light, it was an external call. If it could pass through his secretary, then it surely required his attention.


    He took several deep breaths, calmed the turmoil within, and then picked up the phone...


    Later on, Director Johnson informed his family member at home that he had a social engagement that night and wouldn''t be dining at home.


    He and his children lived together in amunity adjacent to Michael''s, in a slightly inferior neighborhood in terms of environmental aesthetics and overallmunity facilities but with arger house amodating more people.


    While contemting these troublesome matters, he drove to the warehouse district, far from the city center, and parked by the roadside near the warehouses.


    About ten meters away, there was a barbecue shop that served only three items: minced beef patties, wholemeal bread, and some fresh vegetables.


    There were no prime cuts of beef here; the people from this warehouse district couldn''t afford that. The minced beef patties they served were made from the further mashed up minced beef leftovers simr to what Lin Qi and Catherine used to eat when they lived together.


    They added some other things to the patties, such as whole grains, some nuts near their expiration, and some inexpensive items.


    Just after dinnertime, the barbecue shop was still packed. The ny-eight cent thick beef patties, apanied by vegetables and free bread provided without limit, fulfilled the nutritional needs of theborers after a day''s toil.


    Almost all the blue-overall workers from the warehouse district were dining here, making this unmarked barbecue shop quite renowned in the area.


    Johnson wasn''t quite ustomed to the environment here; the pervasive smell of sweat and something else he couldn''t quite identify was everywhere. After all, in the increasingly hot weather, those whobored all day weren''t expected to smell pleasant.


    He nced around, noticing that theborers also deliberately maintained some distance from him. It was evident that his outfit wasn''t cheap, and no one wanted to risk losing ten days'', half a month''s, or even more sry due to their carelessness.


    Soon, he spotted Lin Qi. Lin Qi waved at him and then ordered another beef patty and bread from the boss.


    "Is this your idea of dinner?" Johnson frowned as he sat down. His expression wasn''t very pleasant. Lin Qi had called him out to discuss recent events, and Johnson vaguely sensed something.


    Originally, he didn''t want topromise with Lin Qi. Michael had suffered miserably, and the image of the Tax Bureau had also been affected. However, the pressure was truly immense now. He could only choose the option he least wanted, perhaps that was a sign of maturity.


    Though he chose maturity, he could still maintain his attitude towards Lin Qi. There was no conflict between the two.


    Lin Qi shrugged indifferently, tearing apart the bread in his hand without any concern. He used it to wipe off some sauce from the te, then stuffed it in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.


    He brushed some crumbs off his fingers onto the table, then picked up his knife and fork to sample a piece of the minced beef patty. With a smile, he remarked, "It''s not as unappealing as you might think. Feel free to give it a try."


    At this moment, the proprietress, a woman in her forties, came over. She rudely ced the te on the table and also a small basket of bread.


    Director Johnson looked speechlessly at the proprietress who turned away and then back at Lin Qi. Finally, he gritted his teeth, mimicking Lin Qi''s actions and tore a piece of bread.


    As he put the sauce-soaked bread into his mouth, it wasn''t as hard to swallow as he had imagined. The fragrance and the resilient texture of the wholemeal bread gave the food an unexpected deliciousness.


    He raised an eyebrow, picked up a piece of minced beef patty with a knife and fork. Perhaps not as good as those steaks worth nine or thirty-nine bucks a piece, but it was quite tender and juicy. There were even more taste variations and eptable vors.


    While they ate and talked, the surroundings were filled with cacophonous noises. Even if someone passed by them, it was hard for others to hear their conversation, even if they raised their voices.


    "I called you sincerely. From the beginning, I was just a victim if you understand the sequence of events," Lin Qi said, prompting Director Johnson to nod in agreement. He indeed understood. Michael wanted to arrest Mr. Fox as an achievement to show off. That was why he dragged Lin Qi into this mess. Regardless of whether Lin Qimitted any illegal acts, at least, until now, he was innocent. Michael was constantly harassing him.


    Johnson nodded, providing a basis to continue. While eating, Lin Qi continued, "You know, I''m timid and want to avoid trouble. Some journalists suggested that I sue you all, but I gave up. It''s not the best choice to respond to hatred with hatred. So I chose tolerance..."


    Director Johnson looked at this shameless man waiting for his reaction, reluctantly forcing a smile. "Yes, you''re magnanimous."


    Lin Qi smiled satisfactorily. "Yes, I''m magnanimous. I used to be, and I still am now. I don''t want to dwell on the problems between us caused by Michael. I''m actively seeking solutions. I have a proposal; I don''t know if you''re interested."


    Director Johnson swiftly finished the beef patty, ending this terrible dinner. He nced at the stained napkin on the table and finally wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "Go on..."


    "As far as I know, there are others in Sabin City involved in moneyundering, and their methods might..." A faint expression of helplessness shed across Lin Qi''s face. "...be less sophisticated. Perhaps you should focus your attention on them, they might be easier targets."


    Director Johnson furrowed his brow slightly. "Even if I apprehend all of them, it won''t be enough to calm the current situation."


    Lin Qi had almost finished dinner. He picked up thest bread, wiped the sauce and meat from the te, stuffed it in his mouth, feeling grateful for every morsel due to his impoverished life.


    With his mouth full of food, he continued to speak, "This is merely an issue between Michael and me, a personal vendetta that should not escte to public attention. You have impressive achievements in your hands, and with such a solid foundation, the public will patiently listen to your exnations. None of this has anything to do with the Tax Bureau. Coupled with the case of Michael Junior, perhaps he was just settling a personal score through his power..." He paused, smiling, fingers naturally inteced, thumbs resting against his chin, gazing at Director Johnson. He believed this old man understood what he was implying.


    Initially, for the first dozen seconds, Director Johnson wore a contemtive expression, hiding a hint of impatience. But soon, his expression began to change. He understood Lin Qi''s intent.


    He knew Michael''s son had been arrested for a burry and had supposedly confessed and begun serving time in advance. If the cause-and-effect rtionship and the timeline were reversed, portraying Michael''s actions against Lin Qi as an attempt to rectify his son''s imminent imprisonment, everything would change.


    In simpler terms, Michael''s son hadmitted the burry, stealing Lin Qi''s ring, and Lin Qi had reported it. Michael, knowing this, wanted to cover it up, leading to personal conflict between him and Lin Qi. Hister act of assaulting Lin QI had no rtion to his identity or the extent of enforcement power within the Tax Bureau or any other federal departments. This was an isted incident. His purpose didn''t require an exnation. Everyone could guess that it was definitely because he wanted Lin Qi to drop the charges.


    A government official breaking thew to conceal his child''s crime, resorting to violent coercion to silence the intiff...


    Seeing Director Johnson''s changing expression, Lin Qi knew Johnson had understood. He softly reminded, "This is murder."


    For a moment, Director Johnson''s mind was in turmoil. Yes, he truly detested Michael. This man had made him lose his face, threatened hister life, but was it necessary to be so ruthless?


    He knew it was all fake, but sometimes the public didn''t know. Coupled with the pushing and pulling of interested parties, Lin Qi, as a victim, would have the most convincing argument. If he spoke out and coborated with the federal government''s desire to quell public opinion, Michael would undoubtedly be the scapegoat.


    But... was it too harsh, using one person or even one family''s future as a bargaining chip?


    Looking at Director Johnson''s indecisiveness, Lin Qi softly said, "You''re a good man, sir, but you should also understand the seriousness of the matter. On one side, it''s a household with a stain on its reputation, a head of the investigative team that has caused great headaches for you and Sabin City citizens, and on the other side, there are numerous federalw enforcement agencies and the celebrating criminals. Sometimes, we indeed find it challenging to make decisions, yet we arepelled to make them."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 53:

    Chapter 53:


    Human beings are inherently driven by self-interest. As animals, it''s difficult to escape the instincts ingrained within. No one in this world can achieve absolute rationality; often, when faced with choices, individuals tend to opt for the option most advantageous to themselves.


    A stroke of misfortune for one person would not only save himself but also salvage the reputation of the Sabin City Tax Bureau, even redeeming some points for the entirew enforcement system. Johnson had long understood which choice to make, yet he was unwilling to articte it.


    The more people''s hearts are filled with ugliness and darkness, the more they yearn for purity. However, the stronger the longing for purity, the greater the desire to destroy itby any means necessary.


    Perhaps "human nature" is termed so because human essence is sufficientlyplex and degraded, thereby enhancing the depth of the term "human nature."


    Wiping the sweat from his forehead with the handkerchief, Director Johnson was unsettled by Lin Qi''s calm gaze. It felt like needles pricking at him, making him highly ufortable.


    Rarely did he encounter such a well-disguised yet highly invasive gaze; it was the gaze of someone in power. It was as if he gave him a choice, knowing he wouldn''t be able to make up his mind on his own, and yet pretending to be magnanimous in letting him choose, though there was only one choice avable.


    Stressed, sweat appeared on his face, even more on his neck. Perhaps it was due to the heat in the air, or maybe because the face-to-face interaction and ''alone'' discussion with Lin Qi made him feel an overwhelming amount of pressure, prompting him to suddenly stand up.


    Originally, after standing up, he intended to make a motion to pull the chair back and leave. However, the action paused midway. He felt a strange sense of guilt and offered an exnation, "I need to think about it, yes, think about it"


    ncing at Lin Qi, who gestured for him to take his time, Johnson, wiping the sweat off, left the barbecue shop. Standing on the sidewalk with a damp handkerchief, he nced back at Lin Qi, who appeared intermittently in the crowd. His hands trembled slightly.


    Suddenly, a sudden surge of anger made him forcefully throw the rather heavy, damp handkerchief to the ground, as if he was unable to control his own hand. As he gasped heavily, the odd nces from passersby quickly calmed him down.


    After pping his own mouth, he darted into the car. Shaking, he fumbled for the key and inserted it into the lock. After starting the engine, he pressed down on the gas pedal and quickly disappeared along the roadside.


    Upon returning home, Johnson locked himself in the study. From the liquor shelf, he took down a bottle of liquor used for decoration, something he had rarely done in the past. He only drank at social gatherings because he disliked alcohol. This aversion likely stemmed from his father''s heavy drinking during his childhood, often followed by violence towards him and his mother.


    Over forty years had passed, and some things and people had be part of the past, yet some remained unchanged as if frozen in time from over forty years ago.


    ss after ss of alcohol, the strong smell mingled with a strong sense of guilt, caused his emotions to fluctuate greatly. His decision would change the lives of three people and might ruin them, but he had no other choice.


    Director Johnson was considered a good person, at least ording to those in the Tax Bureau. His affability had led him to the position of director, but it was also this affability that brought him to a halt at this moment. Things were about to change.


    The next day, the affable director that people knew had disappeared. In his ce emerged a bureau director who always wore a frown and spoke with a piercingly indifferent tone.


    In the following days, as the public opinion continued to brew, Sabin City, a small second-tier city within the Baylor Federation, became the focal point not just nationwide but globally. It felt... peculiar.


    New faces appeared on the streets of the city center, always clutching a microphone, apanied by interview vehicles nearby.


    The workers'' union, in response to the situation, organized a one-day strike over the weekend. The management of the Sabin City union specifically visited Lin Qi, expressing their indignation at the abuse of power within thew enforcement department.


    In short, it was a profoundly unusual time, and everyone found it refreshing.


    In the midst of this novelty, Michael Junior''s case went to trial. Due to Michael''s current troubles and Michael Junior''s refusal of any visitation, the court assigned awyer as Michael Junior''s defense counsel.


    After over half an hour of deliberation between the defense attorney and Michael Junior, thewyer agreed with Michael Junior''s plea and promised to help him seek a reduced sentence.


    Forwyers whose livelihoods depended on court-appointed cases, winning rates were no longer a primary concern; making it through each day was enough.


    In this situation, Michael Junior appeared in the defendant''s seat in court.


    Michael''s request for attendance was approved; after all, he was Michael Junior''s father. Despite being under house arrest awaiting the oue of another case involving an assault, the court allowed him to attend.


    Only a few days had passed, but the father and son''s meeting in court felt like it had been a year. Michael looked at the weary-faced Michael Junior with a heart-wrenching sensation, while Michael Junior forced a smile.


    Michael Junior read the confession letter, whose origins remained unknown to him. After a series of proceedings, thewyer managed to secure a nine-month sentence for Michael Junior. To be honest, a mere nine-month sentence for burry was beyond many people''s expectations.


    Thewyer cited Michael Junior''s young age,ck of prior criminal record, and a history of consistently receiving full schrships as a diligent and exemry student to argue that the break-in seemed more like a crime of passion without subjective intent.


    Having reviewed the relevant materials, the court approved the defense attorney''s argument and handed down the minimum sentence. It was undeniable that Michael Junior''s consistent academic excellence had yed a role.


    During the trial, Michael was expelled from the courtroom twice for disturbing the proceedings. However, the judge empathized with him and specifically granted him a chance to meet with Michael Juniorter.


    At this moment, Michael sat in the corridor, holding his head, silently weeping in agony. He repeatedly used his fists and palms to strike his forehead and head, seemingly filled with self-hatred.


    The quiet corridor amplified his faint sobbing. Amidst his intense suffering, he sensed someone sitting beside him.


    At that moment, Michael resembled an injured lion. Without raising his head, he opened his mouth, and a word, "Fuck off," tore from his throat,den with savage emotions.


    Yet, the person seated beside him remained unfazed. Subsequently, Michael heard the sound of a lighter igniting and then the scent of strong tobo.


    He wiped away the tears from his eyes and face, reluctant to show his vulnerability to anyone. He prided himself on being tough, at least in his own perception. He aimed to project an image of strength to those around him, signaling them to step away.


    Just as he prepared to roar, a familiar voice echoed in his ear!


    "If I were you, I wouldn''t do that!"


    It was Lin Qi! Lin Qi would forever remain etched in Michael''s memory. This voice had be the primary source of his recent nightmares. With tear-stained eyes, Michael red at Lin Qi. "Are you here to mock me? Are you enjoying this?"


    Lin Qi shrugged, offering a cigarette, which Michael swatted away. The cigarette tumbled on the ground, rolling to the other end of the corridor.


    "Is this how you always are, believing everyone should tolerate your foul temper?" Lin Qi retrieved his hand, paused momentarily, his eyes indifferent yet smiling on his face.


    The irritable Michael shut his mouth, bowing his head and staring at his own hands, as if plunging back into his own world.


    Lin Qi shrugged, stood up, towering over Michael. "I came here to tell you that our grudges are almost over."


    "You''ll get what you deserve, and don''t worry too much about your kid; he''ll have plenty of boyfriends in prison"


    Michael erupted again, grabbing Lin Qi''s cor, while Lin Qi raised his hands.


    Although the lion was wounded, it remained a lion.


    Lin Qi showed no fear despite Michael''s ferocity. With a teasing tone, he said, "If I were you, I''d let go. You and your son have paid for your mistakes, but think about your wife"


    In the next moment, Michael''s fierce gaze turned pale instantly. The lion might be fearsome, but it was no match for the hunter.


    Lin Qi adjusted his cor, jokingly adding, "Alright, I''ve said what I wanted. Have a pleasant vacation, Mr. Michael."


    As Lin Qi''s footsteps receded, Michael stiffly turned his head, watching Lin Qi vanish into the sunset''s glow at the end of the corridor. It seemed as if his consciousness, in that moment of Lin Qi blending into the radiance, was engulfed by the light.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 54:

    Chapter 54:


    Since the moment Michael Junior was sentenced in court, some media outlets have begun rethinking certain issues. They pondered whether the conflict between Michael and Lin Qi stemmed from the enforcer and the suspect or from personal matters.


    If it was due to the former, then they needed not worry about much else. But if it was because of thetter, then the direction of public opinion was incorrect.


    It was like when the little red person and the little blue person fight. If the injury to the little blue person was just an isted incident, it would remain just that, and nobody would really care.


    The issue was that everyone imed the little red person was the enforcer, and the little blue person was an innocent civilian. In the absence of evidence, the little red person injured the little blue person, suggesting that the problemy in the excessive enforcement power wielded by the little red person, abusing authority and harming the people.


    This was the present situation. But if one removed thisyer of rtionship, if the little red person hit the little blue person because of their personal grudge, without the enforcer and innocent suspect dynamics, without the question of the appropriateness of enforcement power, then it would just be an isted incident.


    Upon seeing thetest issue of the newspaper, Lin Qi realized that the upper echelons of the Federal Tax Bureau, or at least state-level administrative officials, had started to act. He hadn''t yet managed to subtly have Director Johnson disclose some information, but spections had already surfaced in the newspapers.


    Some less reputable newspapers, essentially tabloids, were generally taken as a form of amusement by many because they often published sensational news. But one couldn''t deny that this time it was too coincidental. A gossip tabloid stated that Michael Junior had been sentenced for burry, and the burry happened to be in the house of an innocent suspect in Michael''s enforcement case. Could there be a connection here?


    Many times, some people im that the popcecks intelligence, living perpetually in a collective consciousness. Clearly, this statement is aughable understanding.


    At least with the reports in the tabloids, some individuals had started to contemte if there might be more conspiracies involved.


    In reality, every person, every citizen of a country, fundamentally doesn''t want to believe that their country has rotten beyond repair. They always believe that there''s hope for their country, even if they spend their days in their rooms swearing at their president on television.


    When people realize that there''s still hope for the country but acknowledge that a specific individual is beyond redemption, they will unconsciously redirect their frustration. Instead of solely criticizing the country''s systemic problems, the focus of public opinion will shift towards criticizing and targeting that particr individual.


    Having finished reading through the entire newspaper, Lin Qi casually set it aside. At that moment, he was in Mr. Fox''s officehis moneyundering had made significant progress. It had transitioned from the underground to aboveground, into a bright, street-facing standalone two-story building, adorned with Gettnau''s signage and telephone number.


    "This is good news..." Lin Qi picked up another newspaper, nced at Mr. Fox, "The Federal Tax Bureau also realizes that entangling with us is meaningless. Abandoning Michael might be a bit cruel to him, but it''s redemption for the entire system. We are safe now."


    Only now did Mr. Fox heave a sigh of relief. He had been on tenterhooks these days. Several of his peers had been sent to regional prisons awaiting final judgment on moneyundering charges, and a few others had vanished overnight.


    Currently, in Sabin City, there were only two or three firms left providing small-scale financial aid services. Because of this, the phone outside Mr. Fox''s office hadn''t stopped ringing for a moment.


    The bustling business made Mr. Fox nervous, afraid, and greedy. However, Lin Qi had been reassuring him, urging him to continue his dealings without giving up. Now was the best time for his transition.


    Emerging from the less exposed underground to embrace the sunlight, even this standalone office was rented under Lin Qi''s instructions.


    Mr. Fox nced at the young men outside his office, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "Lin Qi, my friend, I''ve encountered a small problem..."


    Lin Qi was surprised. He set down thetest issue of the "Trade Report," which reported the end of a war in a country across the Baylor Federation Strait (), bringing a glimmer of hope after neen months of continuous decline in infrastructure material prices.


    Undoubtedly, industrious federal merchants had found a ce that temporarily allowed them to recover and not face bankruptcy.


    He outlined a few lines in the news with the pen on the table, then looked at Mr. Fox. "How can I assist you?"


    Mr. Fox still smiled, albeit awkwardly, and seemed a bit hesitant. "I''m out of money..." After saying this, he felt that his statement might be misunderstood by Lin Qi, so he offered a brief exnation.


    Recently, other financialpanies either fled or faced arrests. As a consequence, the financial aid market in Sabin City became extremely vacant. Lin Qi had repeatedly advised him that it was a good time to expand and strengthen his financialpany, and indeed, he had taken those steps.


    At least he thought Lin Qi wasn''t a fraud; he was a smart person, smarter than himself. So, what Lin Qi said was probably right.


    Every day, in Sabin City, there were financial shortfalls ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even reaching millions. This was noughing matter. At times, the scale could even surpass several millions.


    For some gamblers, the numbers changing by hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands near the gambling tables were just minute fluctuations. Such amounts of money were insignificant to them.


    Where there''s demand, there''s a market. What was supposed to be a buyer''s market turned into a seller''s market because suddenly, there were only a few sellers left, unable to meet the demands.


    In less than five days, Mr. Fox had invested over two million of his savings. What was left in his pocket was a small sum, merely a fraction of what he had during his peak. After tonight, he wouldn''t have any money left to offer.


    Thinking about this made him anxious. That was money, an uncountable amount of money. He had no money left, but others might. If someone seized the market now, not to mention the future, he felt like he would even break into tears now.


    He had seen signs of this yesterday. After pondering a day and a night, he decided to discuss it with Lin Qi. He knew Lin Qi was a smart person, often capable of thinking of solutions others couldn''t.


    Mr. Fox''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. Lin Qi raised an eyebrow slightly, nodded, and said, "That''s not a problem. No matter how much you need."


    This statement made Mr. Fox''s jaw drop, and he even double-checked to ensure he hadn''t misheard.


    Even counting all the money managed by Lin Qi together during this period, it was just over one million. And Lin Qi probably had less than a hundred thousand in hand at best, which didn''t quite amount to "no matter how much he needed." Mr. Fox began to suspect if Lin Qi might have misheard what he had just said.


    Careful not to damage Lin Qi''s dignity, Mr. Fox gently reminded him, "I''m not talking about thousands or tens of thousands, I mean hundreds of thousands, even millions!"


    Lin Qi continued to nod casually, "I know. No matter how much you need. It''s not a problem."


    His repeated assurance made Mr. Fox ecstatic; he stood up excitedly, pping his hands and pacing around the office. "Fantastic! Fantastic! When can I see it?"


    Lin Qi remained in hisposed posture, slightly tilting his head. The sunlight outside made Mr. Fox''s figure blurry, less vivid.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 55:

    Chapter 55:


    Half a month ago, Lin Qi didn''t anticipate everything that was happening at this moment today. He hadn''t considered that things rted to Michael would ur.


    Lin Qi wasn''t omnipotent; he was just an ordinary person. Although his considerations and calctions were broader than those of most people, he couldn''t stand at the starting point and foresee the endpoint; that was not human, that would be god.


    A series of events triggered by Michael disrupted his initial ns. Originally, his n was to make a profit and leave without even considering registering a legitimatepany. But to deal with Michael and his associates, he had to register apany to make himself as invulnerable as possible.


    His n had undergone a series of changes, but sometimes a wrong turn could also lead to the right path as he believed that there wasn''t just one way to reach the destination; there were multiple paths to sess. Besides, his current n wasn''t too bad after all.


    Mr. Fox hesitated for a moment and asked, "Isn''t 10% enough?" He felt that 10% was not a small amount, but it seemed insufficient.


    Lin Qi shook his head, "If you only want to exchange loose change, 10% is enough because that''s what my business is worth. However, if you want to take money from me for operations, 10% is not enough."


    He continued without giving Mr. Fox a chance to retort or question, "Not to brag, but right now, in the whole Sabin city, I''m the only one who can quickly gather arge amount of cash for you. I have a way to get legal money, and you also need money..."


    Mr. Fox nodded nomittally, feeling a bit of a headache. After realizing Lin Qi''s wisdom, he constantly felt a bit foolish himself.


    Many called him a cunning fox, but only in front of Lin Qi could people understand that cunning wasn''t intelligence but mere street smarts. He didn''t want to beat around the bush with Lin Qi because the one who would end up dizzy and confused would be himself. So, he straightforwardly asked Lin Qi how much he wanted.


    "10% of the principal and 5% of other profits, and I won''t bear any other costs."


    Mr. Fox knew how to write each word in this sentence; he knew their meanings and themon variations of them. But whenbined, it left him a bit bewildered.


    He pondered for a while, not to let Lin Qi discern his true intentions. Although from the beginning, Lin Qi knew that he might not necessarily understand what he said. After half a minute, he furrowed his brow slightly and asked, "What does that mean?"


    Lin Qi''s facial expression suddenly became lively. He approached every customer or, one might say, every benefactor, with ample patience, disying more sincerity than anyone else. His smile was a manifestation of that sincerity.


    "It''s simple, Mr. Fox. Suppose you lent Tom a thousand bucks... Let''s just assume this as an example. He mortgaged something worth a thousand bucks to you, but he was overdue or defaulted. Eventually, you recovered the principal along with the interest, each totaling a thousand bucks."


    "In this deal, your principal is a thousand bucks, and the profit is two thousand bucks..."


    Mr. Fox interrupted Lin Qi, "I''m sorry, I didn''t understand. Shouldn''t my profit be a thousand bucks?"


    Lin Qi, without any hint of impatience, exined, "The agreement I had you draft stipted that in case of default, the borrower automatically forfeits ownership of the coteral, while the loan and interest remain valid... Do you understand? Essentially, you''ve gained a thousand bucks in interest, plus an item worth a thousand bucks as coteral."


    Seeing Mr. Fox''s sudden realization, Lin Qi found the old man somewhat endearing and continued, "10% of a thousand bucks and 5% of the profit add up to a total of two hundred bucks."


    This was actually a rather primitive contract involving a guaranteed minimum plus profit-sharing in business. While not verymon, it was not entirely rare, especially in a few hedging contracts, where simr or analogous uses existed to safeguard the maximum benefit for one party.


    Mr. Fox took a while toprehend. His expression was a mix of amusement and frustration. "Actually, if we partner up, it wouldn''t be thisplicated. I can offer you 20% to 30% of the shares, which is much simpler than theseplex calctions."


    His suggestion might be a resolution, but it wasn''t what Lin Qi liked. After all, although Mr. Fox''s business, with his assistance, no longer appeared to contain any illegal activities, being non-illegal didn''t equate to being legal; it was a gray area. As long as Mr. Fox remained dominant and no one dared to challenge him, then what he was doing would be considered to be operating within the bounds of thew.


    But if someone decided to challenge him or societal development sought to eliminate him, once such a need arose, his businesses would be illegal.


    The gray area might signify huge profits, but it also harbored immense risks.


    Just look at those recently imprisoned or those who had already fled. One could understand that the risks involved in this business had surpassed the majority of businessmen''s perceptions of risk.


    Moreover, this business wasn''t foolproof. What if someone borrowed money and never repaid it, or worse, absconded?


    Of course, the coteral would barely manage to cover the principal, but in doing so, one would also incur losses from the potential profits generated by continually rolling over this capital. Additionally, the process of debt recovery could at times be less than straightforward. In summary, Lin Qi had no intention of entering this industry.


    If he did decide to enter, he wouldn''t discuss these matters with Mr. Fox; he''d just start this business somewhere else directly.


    He discussed cooperation with Mr. Fox with the aim of maximizing profits within the broadest legal boundaries possible. That was why Lin Qi always regarded Mr. Fox as a benevolent and kind-hearted person.


    He decisively shook his head and politely declined Mr. Fox''s repeated invitations in a non-confrontational manner, "It''s not that I''m unwilling. If you want to obtain this money or even more, we cannot have obvious, direct contact. We must remain as independent entities. Do you understand what I mean?"


    "I don''t understand." Mr. Fox shook his head. He felt Lin Qi''s exnation was tooplicated, and he couldn''t grasp it. "But that doesn''t prevent us from continuing to work together. I can agree to your terms. So, what''s your n?"


    Mr. Fox''s tone carried some curiosity. He knew Lin Qi''s current situation; he only had tens of thousands of bucks on hand. He didn''t quite believe Lin Qi could produce the hundreds of thousands or even millions as he imed.


    Lin Qi smiled, "Normally, I wouldn''t disclose business secrets before signing a contract, but since we''re friends, and I trust your integrity, I don''t mind telling you..."


    "Wait a moment!" Mr. Fox suddenly stood up, walked to the ss wall of the office, closed all the blinds, and locked the door. Only then did he rx. "You can tell me now. I''m very curious."


    In Lin Qi''s confident smile, he slowly revealed his solution.


    If one were to talk about where in Sabin City one could gather millions of bucks in a short time, undoubtedly, it would be the banks.


    The six major private banks were immensely wealthy and could ess countless funds at any time. Lin Qi''s n was to obtain this money through the banks, and how to do so rted to the contract he had urged Mr. Fox to modify earlier.


    The borrower needed coteral when borrowing money from him, and this coteral was crucial for obtaining loans from the bank. In other words, as long as Mr. Fox had enough audacity, he alone could take over the entire private and public financial aid business in the entire Sabin City!


    But within this, there needed to be a third party to act as a bridge, and that was Lin Qi.


    This was precisely why Lin Qi dared to tell Mr. Fox the truth.


    The entire Sabin City was cracking down on moneyundering and financial crimes. At this point, if someone like Mr. Fox, who was "on the list," wanted to borrow from a bank, even if his procedures were legal, the bank wouldn''t dare lend him money.


    Who knew what the nature of this money might ultimately be or if it would attract the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Federal Tax Bureau due to its potential implications.


    But if there was a third party involved who had demonstrated credibility in the media and even secured friendship with the tax bureau chief, unless the actions were too egregious, why would a bank refuse a big client like Lin Qi?


    It was like a region with strict ess controls prohibiting any strangers from entering. Mr. Fox was that stranger; he didn''t have an ess card, nor was he an insider, so the guards wouldn''t let him in.


    But if someone led him, someone considered a low-level leader, and was willing to take full responsibility for Mr. Fox''s actions, then why would the guards want to offend others for someone else''s matter?Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 56:

    Chapter 56:


    How luxurious can an office be?


    This question is rather pointless. People have different understandings of luxury, so there will be many different interpretations of it. But indeed, Joegleman''s () office was an opulent room.


    Gold-ted ceilings, natural crystal chandeliers, bear heads, lion heads on the walls, and two ivory tusks, each taller than a person, ced on disy cabs. Such "simple" furnishings were enough to illustrate the extravagance of this room.


    However, the items within this office were like most items in other offices, allpany property. Only a few personal belongings belonged to the employees who used this room.


    Joegleman was the manager of the Credit Department at the Sabin branch of GoldenExchange Bank ().


    This kind of administrative manager was apletely different concept from those client managers outside. He was one step away from being promoted to the level of branch manager, but this step was quite challenging.


    Unlike most governmental institutions, where the second-ranking local official would rise to be the first-ranking local official with one more promotion, within GoldenExchange Bank, for Joegleman to progress, he might have to move from the branch to a regional division or headquarters and start over from the middle or lower management positions.


    The significance of being a branch manager was not just about the title; of course, Joegleman never thought he could be a branch manager. That was something that was highly unlikely to happen.


    Hecked a lot of connections. He didn''t have any influential backers in the Board of Directors at the headquarters. Those people also wouldn''t pay special attention to a credit department manager in a second-tier city branch. This elongated his path to promotion. Luckily, he was easily content with his current situation.


    Just forty-two years old, sessful in his career, with a young and beautiful wife, and three lively and adorable children, if there weren''t too many issues, he might stay in Sabin until he was forty-eight, and then transfer to make way for others in another branch.


    The bank''s generous treatment made him never consider the issues after being removed from an important position. High benefits and good treatment were enough for him to live contentedly.


    Of course, everyone had their own troubles, regardless of their mour orck thereof. Even esteemed figures like the President of Baylor Federal couldn''t be worry-free.


    Joegleman''s current worry was that the loan business volume in Sabin had been consistently declining over the past months. The amount of business volume no longer had much direct relevance to management personnel at his level.


    If he achieved more, his superiors in the division would probably mention it during meetings.


    If he achieved less, it would be unfortunate for those front-line loan managers, although everyone was a manager.


    However, this was still a bit unsettling. Every year, at the end of the year, GoldenExchange Bank would arrange a paid corporate trip. Everyone invited worked for the same conglomerate, just in different regions. Inevitably, they would discuss their respective work situations.


    Those who did well would surely be praised and would have more opportunities for promotion. Perhaps, they might be the superiors of their colleagues in the future.


    Those who didn''t perform well wouldn''t be openly ridiculed, but in variousparisons, they would be the foil for others, and that feeling wouldn''t be pleasant at all.


    He wanted to solve these problems but had few means to do so. As one of the six major banks in the Baylor Federal, GoldenExchange Bank was ustomed to learning the financial markets and international economic trends as part of their daily tasks.


    Since the explosive economic growth of Baylor Federal ended a few years back, the economy had been somewhatckluster in recent years.


    The financial markets remained highly active without any significant downward trend, leading people to continuously refer to this as a "brief" lull after the explosion. They anticipated another noticeable economic growth in the Federal economy once the upward "rebound phase" was over.


    People believed in these ims. However, the question was whether this rebound period hadsted too long. It had been nearly three years, and the weak market and declining economy had begun to sting people''s nerves. Especially as the explosive growth dividend period gradually ended, people starteding out of their blind spectatorship. Underneath the seemingly thriving surface of Baylor Federal, there was an undercurrent surging.


    In the past seven months alone, Sabin had registered more than two thousand new businesses, but at the same time, over six hundred small and medium-sized businesses had gone bankrupt and liquidatednot because banks couldn''t find anyone to lend to, but because they were hesitant to lend.


    If the loans went bad, it would lead to significant trouble. The words from higher management sounded pleasing; they promised to give a portion of bad debt indicator to each branch every year. However, if one genuinely attempted to fill this indicator to the brim, a single phone call would cause the entire personnel structure of the branch to change.


    As the final approver, Joegleman was always cautious. He would rather not lend a single cent than risk being ousted. He needed to stay in this position for a few more years until all three of his children reached adulthood and were arranged to work in the bank.


    When a person reached his age, there wouldn''t be many pursuits left; they would start considering their children''s future. Most people were like that.


    While he was killing time by flipping through some slightly indecent magazines on his desk, one of the four phones on his desk rang. It was a private call, but his number was known only to those close to him. After adjusting his mood slightly, he answered the phone, "Joegleman speaking..."


    "It''s me, Johnson. Do you have time for lunch?" The voice of the local tax bureau director came from the other end of the phone call.


    The number of dealings between banks and the Tax Bureau far exceeded their interactions with the Bureau of Investigation. Even though they also often dealt with the Bureau of Investigation, they did not particrly like the people from the Bureau of Investigation.


    On the contrary, it was more essible to engage with the tax bureau, fostering a mutually beneficial rtionship. Particrly for the mid-to-senior-level personnel in the bank whose ies surpassed others by ten to several dozen times, navigating legal tax evasion became a pressing concern. If individuals from the tax bureau assisted them in organizing their documentation, it would simplify everything significantly.


    In return, they would provide the tax bureau with extremely proactive cooperation. asionally, they would also leak some inside information, such as the recent good performance of a fund or changes in the board of directors of a listedpany.


    Joegleman mostly interacted with middle-level personnel like Michael, and he knew Johnson and had met him a few times, but their interactions were infrequent.


    At Johnson''s position, the Baylor Federal Supervision Department () would asionally check on him to see if he had been involved in any official misconduct.


    The federal government wouldn''t pay much attention to grassroots and front-line workers. Even if these individuals used their authority for crimes, the damage to the entire federal system and society would be extremely limited. However, it was different for local key officialsif they were involved in official misconduct, the losses would be immeasurable.


    Knowing that the Supervision Department asionally monitored them, Joegleman avoided befriending Johnson, preferring to steer clear of any potential suspicion, even when presented with an opportunity to do so.


    However, this time, the other party approached him directly, so he couldn''t avoid it and could only say he was avable.


    Johnson''s invitation for lunch struck him as odd since they didn''t have much interaction in the past. It was apparent that there was an underlying reason behind the invitation.


    After hanging up the phone, he thought for a long time but couldn''t figure out why Director Johnson suddenly invited him. With a belly full of doubts, he prepared himself in advance.


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 Chapter 57:

    Chapter 57:


    If Joegleman was simply unaware that Johnson intended to introduce a small figure to him, then Johnson was now sitting beside Lin Qi with a face resembling one who had just eaten feces.


    There was a bit of disgust, a bit of loathing, a bit of regret, a touch of an indescribable irritation, and a face full of disdain.


    Based onmon sense, it was hard to imagine a tax bureau chief facilitating introductions of important connections for someone like Lin Qi, who was a rtively insignificant figure. Especially considering the recent trouble Lin Qi had gotten him into, which had created significant turmoil within the entire tax system from top to bottom.


    Particrly regarding Michael''s matter. Last night, there was a leaked rumor from the state office, saying that given the current public opinion pressure, the higher-ups were considering abandoning Michael.


    The highest-ranking official in the state office had made it clear during the phone conference several times that the stance of the higher-ups was not to abandon subordinates when faced with issues; they had never done so in the past and disdained the idea altogether.


    The Federal Tax Bureau, known for tackling issues head-on, had its own military division; they never knew what it meant to give in. However, the issue this timey within problems at lower levels; even if the higher-ups tried to resolve them, they still couldn''t fully clean up the mess. Therefore, the people at the lower levels had only themselves to me.


    Previously, they had hinted to Johnson to swiftlybel Lin Qi as a criminal. The notion that Lin Qi could be a potential criminal was also suggested by the Federal Tax Bureau of Sabin City themselves, with Michael being the one who put forward such thoughts.


    Though Director Johnson believed Lin Qi might not be entirely clean, from the current perspective, he clearly hadn''t engaged in any illegal activities, including hispany''s ounts. When they apprehended Lin Qi and inspected the entire warehouse, they also found no anomalies.


    The main reason for the public uproar was that Lin Qi was innocent. Combined with priorw enforcement brutalities, mainly from the Bureau of Investigation, and some people''s instigations, it led to the current situation.


    As long as Lin Qi wasbeled as a criminal, the majority of the public wouldn''t empathize, despite the fact that the Baylor Federation always touted itself as a human rights state. Clearly, people''s attitudes towards criminals had nothing to do with human rights.


    Attitude determines the trend and future of events. Even the most foolish of the masses wouldn''t seek justice for a criminal.


    However, a week had passed, and despite the joint efforts of the Sabin City Tax Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the two strongest federal departments, they failed tobel Lin Qi as a "criminal".


    This had infuriated the senior officials at the tax bureau. If the people at the lower levels couldn''t even handle such trivial matters well, how could they expect them to perform well in their duties?


    However, it wasn''t entirely the fault of these two institutions. Currently, society''s focus was on Lin Qi. Any slight mistake in the process of pinning him as a criminal could worsen the situation further.


    Therefore, during the phone conference, they pointed out that if they couldn''t save Michael, then abandon him. Moreover, by doing so, both the Sabin City Tax Bureau and Michael would bear some responsibility.


    One was the ipetence of the Sabin City Tax Bureau, and the other was Michael''s multitude of personal issuesbad temper, frequent outbursts at work, erupting whenever provoked, whether by suspects or coworkers.


    The public uproar this time was also rted to his own actions. Without any evidence to incriminate Lin Qi, he directlybeled Lin Qi as a criminal suspect and harmed him multiple times, resulting in such dire consequences. He needed to be held ountable for his actions.


    Meanwhile, the state office has expressed a desire for the Sabin City Tax Bureau to soothe the emotions of the victim. Recognizing their inability to simply defeat Lin Qi outright, they aimed to refrain from treating him as an adversary and even consider befriending him, hoping to salvage some part of their public image.


    As for dignity, the Federal Tax Bureau was a crucial federal institution, the dignity of one person was not important at all.


    Apart from this, a different narrative was being pushed from above, aligning perfectly with what Lin Qi had previously discussed with Director Johnson at the barbecue restaurant.


    Since the higher-ups had decided to make Michael the scapegoat, they would ensure that he carried it seamlessly, without granting him any chance of redemption. If even this matter was not coordinated well from below, it would result in the entire leadership of the Sabin City Tax Bureau being abandoned.


    At this point, it was evident that the future direction wasn''t something a local tax bureau director could control. They could onlyply with the decisions from above. Johnson had called Lin Qi in the morning, implying the need for him to align with the Tax Bureau''s uing actions in the media.


    At the same time, he also hinted to him that he had already considered the things they had discussed at the barbecue restaurantst time. This was an instinctual tendency toward seeking personal advantage. Even though he didn''t lead the development of the situation, when the oue favored him, it tended to blur his value within the entire context of the matter.


    It was akin to how Michael, upon hearing about a promotion opportunity, began working hard. If he seeded, Director Johnson would definitely im credit for his sess.


    Why refuse extra benefits when they didn''t affect his interests?


    With such a conversation, Lin Qi happened to mention his interest in getting to know the head of the bank''s credit department, regardless of the specific bankany bank would suffice. This became part of his exchange for cooperating with the Tax Bureau''s actions.


    His exact words were, "My current workload is quite heavy, and I might not be avable for media interviews. If any mishaps happen in coordination, I would sincerely appreciate your understanding!"


    At this stage, Director Johnson had already made a firm and resolute decision; there was no turning back for him. The private meeting with Lin Qi, coupled with the current internal trends, gave him a peculiar sensation of ''conspiring'' with Lin Qi to harm Michael. This feeling wasn''t overt but nevertheless existed, making him one of Lin Qi''s aplices.


    Coupled with pressure from above, this usuallycent old bureau director from the Sabin City Tax Bureau reluctantly agreed to Lin Qi''s request, leading to the lunch meeting.


    However, he still couldn''t help but feel disgustednot only due to Lin Qi but also himself. He had thought he was a person with limited abilities, not particrly strong-willed, but with an absolutely clear and firm stance. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be so "weak"!


    "I don''t need to put in good words for you; these are your words." Director Johnson couldn''t help but make a sarcastic remark, observing Lin Qi''s naturally calm demeanor.


    Facing his sarcastic remarks, Lin Qi remained unperturbed. Instead, he retrieved a small note from his pocket and slid it into the napkin, pushing it across the table.


    Johnson furrowed his brow as he unfolded the napkin, revealing two lines of typewritten numbers. "What does this mean?"


    Lin Qi chuckled, "I heard that Landlith banks are going digital. They believebining numbers and letters in bank ounts burdens work too much. I think the top six banks should consider this too."


    The bank ounts within the six major federal banks were categorized as ''custom ounts,'' primarilyposed of alphanumericbinations. This setup inadvertently escted workload, leading to a slower pace of work and an increased susceptibility to errors.


    Just as Director Johnson was about to ask why Lin Qi would mention this to him all of sudden, he suddenly clenched his fists. Undoubtedly, considering Lin Qi''s words and this note, it confirmed this was a Landlith bank ount.


    Landlith was a neutral nation, oftenbeled a tax haven, filled with various financial crimes, some of which involved federal matters.


    He red at Lin Qi with a fierce expression. "This is bribery! You''re insulting me!"


    Lin Qi shrugged, "You know, nobody can remain isted from everything (nobody can existpletely outside of any situation without influencing it or being influenced by it), and I don''t need you to do anything that wouldpromise the Federation''s interests. This is simply a gesture between friends."


    "Instead of wearing that expression now, I think you could take this thing and try to trace the flow of funds between ounts. Perhaps it might uncover something that could be used against me, or it could be donated to those in need, such as Michael''s wife."


    "When Michael goes to prison, his family will be on the brink of falling apart. His wife has never held a job, and their child wille out of prison next year. They''ll need money, and Michael won''t be able to provide for them..."


    "We all know Michael is innocent..." Lin Qi paused briefly. He then smiled, "Of course, I don''t mean that I''m... you know, I''m innocent too."


    He looked at Director Johnson, a gaze that seemed to be able to prate one''s innermost thoughts.


    Just as Director Johnson was tormented, feeling guilty for the "betrayal" and needing to do something, Lin Qi''s words stimted him, awakening a sense of "responsibility."


    Since he couldn''t alter the present situation to provide a possibly fair oue for Michael, he might as well take care of his family. After all, his wife and child needed money.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 58:

    Chapter 58:


    Joegleman intentionally arrived ten minutes early at the designated meeting ce. He arrived early partly out of personal courtesy and partly to avoid giving Director Johnson an opportunity.


    He didn''t want to offend Director Johnson, yet he also didn''t want to appear too close. The tax bureau had encountered quite a few troubles recently, so avoiding him was the best choice.


    Unexpectedly, another person was present, and he looked somewhat familiar to him. However, Joegleman didn''t pay much attention to the appearance of a minor figure. His momentary confusion quickly turned into a warm smile, as if he, Director Johnson, and the stranger were good friends.


    After exchanging pleasantries, he finally recognized the person before him. This surprised him. He initially thought these two individuals should be at loggerheads, but looking at their current demeanor, it seemed that it was not so simple. In other words, behind the current uproar in the news, there might be other matters at y.


    The conversation initially kicked off with everyone discussing the recent weather and the consistently declining market sentiment. The original n was for Director Johnson to introduce Joegleman to Lin Qi and then depart. However, at present, he wasn''t quite inclined to leave.


    It wasn''t that he found anything noteworthy between the two, but the note in his hand made him uneasy and indecisive. He intended to speak with Lin Qi alone again after his conversation with Joegleman.


    Gradually, during the conversation, he began to somewhat agree with Lin Qi''s remarks. Michael''s wife had never worked before, his child would be released from prison next year, and their house and other things required money. Ie was what they needed the most at the moment, especially after losing Michael.


    Michael might face a minimum of three years in prison, ording to the legal advisors at the tax bureau. His knowledge of thew and subsequent disregard for it was one of the main reasons for his extended prison sentence.


    A family without ie couldn''t sustain itself. Johnson''s guilt made him want topensate this family somehow, making this money seem valuable. He convinced himself it wasn''t bribery since the money wouldn''t benefit him personally.


    Amid his contemtion, Lin Qi suddenly asked, "Director Johnson, didn''t you mention having urgent matters to attend to?"


    Johnson, startled, looked at Lin Qi for a few seconds before realizing what had been said. "Ah... yes, I do have something..."


    With Lin Qi''s interruption, he had no choice but to leave reluctantly after excusing himself from both.


    Observing Director Johnson''s departure, Joegleman pondered the significance of this meeting. He didn''t quite understand, but since it was endorsed by Director Johnson, he would take it seriously.


    "Mr. Joegleman, as a businessman, you know..." Lin Qi started, to which Joegleman nodded. He was aware of Lin Qi''s identity from newspaper introductions.


    "I have some businesstely that requires some capital funding..." Lin Qi continued.


    When Joegleman heard this, he roughly understood what Lin Qi wanted. Though he didn''t know why Lin Qi became friends with Johnson or why Director Johnson endorsed him, ultimately, Lin Qi just wanted money.


    This wasn''t something difficult, yet it wasn''t that easy either. Joegleman''s lips slightly curved, disying a natural demeanor, much like when he faced the pleas of small business owners, subtly portraying his superiority. "How much do you need?"


    "The more, the better." Lin Qi replied, taking out a briefcase from behind him, eliciting a smile from Joegleman.


    "Everyone says that, but you should know our policy. Given Director Johnson''s endorsement, I can offer you a 5,000 bucks credit loan."


    Credit loans hadn''t been fully rolled out yet. Banks were cautious about issuing credit loans to revive the federal market economy. After the economic slowdown over two years ago, various issues emerged across different aspects of society. The top echelons of the presidential cab and the six major banks spent nearly a year discussing a set of experimental measures. They opened up unsecured personal credit loans to assist some individuals through hardships while lowering interest rates to stimte the economy.


    While 5,000 wasn''t a substantial amount, even if Lin Qi couldn''t repay, Joegleman could cover it himself. This would not only show his respect for Director Johnson but also create a favor owed to him by Lin Qi, which Joegleman deemed a good deal.


    Lin Qi neither objected nor agreed but presented additional documents, sliding them across the table.


    Joegleman furrowed his brow slightly, nced over the documents on the table, and reached into his pocket to retrieve an exquisite sses case. He put on the sses and began reading through the documents.


    After some time, he removed his sses, pressed against the documents, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It seems to resemble a mortgage contract with the bank, but you''ve added a supplementary agreement waiving coteral rights..."


    He had examined the document very carefully.


    "These documents... I''m sorry, but they don''t help much. If you''ve been reading the newspapers recently, you should know that Sabin City has been cracking down on financial crimestely, and Gettnau Financial is already on the cklist."


    His tone was stern. Those small financialpanies were essentiallypeting with banks for market share. Although they had simple lending conditions and rxed verification processes, many people unable to secure loans from banks turned to them for assistance.


    Joegleman looked down on those individuals but recognized their essential role in society. However, at Joegleman''s level and demeanor, he was unwilling to get involved with those people or matters.


    Lin Qi wasn''t offended. Instead, he took out several more documents and pushed them over.


    Joegleman nced at Lin Qi, nodded slightly, and after some hesitation, put on his sses to read again.


    Among the newly provided documents by Lin Qi, several served as evidence validating the establishment and rights of thepany called Dyson Asset Management (), it was funded by a person named Dyson, who was as the sole proprietor of thepany. These documents epassed a range of corroborating records and tax registration certificates, collectively affirming the legitimacy of this business entity.


    Another set of documents showed Gettnau Financial assigning these asset mortgage contracts to Dyson Asset Management for management. The agreement stated that from the signing date, Dyson Asset Management would hold full legitimate rights to these mortgage contracts.


    Irrespective of any potentialplexities between Dyson Asset Management and Gateau Financial, based solely on these documents, statements, legal papers, and even public notices published in local newspapers affirming the transfer of rights through documented rights transfer notifications, it was clear that the rights to these mortgage contracts had been legally transferred to Dyson Asset Management.


    In other words, they no longer belonged to the Gettnau Financial.


    Seeing Joegleman''s thoughtful expression, Lin Qi knew that half of the deal had already been aplished.


    Gettnau Financial, which was Mr. Fox''s financialpany, had entrusted these contracts to Dyson Asset Management for management. As a result, Dyson Asset Management became the holder of these debts. With this shift in ownership, from a legal standpoint, these debtors were no longer associated with Mr. Fox; the change in ownership severed any ties they had with him.


    However, this was just an entrusted agreement. By simply adding some wording in the supplementary use, such as post-term conditions, there would likely be a way to bypass legal barriers and make everything appear legitimate.


    Even if not entirely legal, at least not illegal.


    After Joegleman set aside all the documents, he tapped on the registration document of Dyson Asset Management. "Who is this Dyson?"


    "That''s not important, Mr. Joegleman. What matters is that he is a legal citizen of the federation and the sole proprietor of thispany."


    Joegleman nodded. He understood Lin Qi''s point. A sole proprietorship had clear delineation of responsibility; with only one owner, there would be no legal disputes.


    If apany had multiple owners, awsuit could turn into a long internal responsibility dispute even after lengthy external legal conflicts were resolved. Even if finally settled, thepany could apply for bankruptcy protection and liquidate, which would be very troublesome.


    But with a sole proprietorship, it was different. It was swift and simple when things went awry. Joegleman could already anticipate Lin Qi''s thoughts. This was a shell, yet a valuable one.


    Honestly, he was intrigued.


    Despite their inherent greediness, banks also prioritized their public image and presentation. However unattractive their greed might be, what Lin Qi has presented was regarded as high-quality assets in Joegleman''s perception.


    He checked the dates on these coteral documents. The current interest rates of Gettnau Financial seemed fine, but their supplementary agreement posed an issue.


    In essence, those who essentially signed the agreement would ultimately relinquish these coterals, which represented a form of disguised high-interest ratesa practice that had yet to be explicitly prohibited byw.


    If not prohibited, it meant it would gain judicial support.


    "I need to consult our legal department..." He put away his sses and suddenly found Lin Qi more pleasing. "If I need to talk to you, where can I find you?"


    Lin Qi timely handed over his business card. "Here''s my phone number. I''m looking forward to your response."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 59:

    Chapter 59:


    "Come to my office..." Joegleman, who hadn''t even had lunch, went straight back to his office. Compared to the stack of files in his hand, a 39 buck steak couldn''t divert his attention.


    Two minutester, a middle-aged man, meticulously dressed and sporting awyer''s badge on his chest, walked in.


    Anyw student who graduated from college and obtained awyer''s qualification could possess such an "entry badge."


    Although it was just an "entry badge," even the most prominent federalwyers would also wear it every day. It was a symbol of their identity and an unconventional mark of nobility.


    "Naf (), take a look at these documents," When Joegleman left, besides voluntarily providing him with two copies of pledge agreements, Lin Qi unexpectedly prepared duplicates of other documents as well. This action elevated Joegleman''s opinion of Lin Qi.


    There''s a saying that rings true: everyone gets opportunities, but not everyone can grab hold of them, and not everyone''s ready when theye knocking.


    Most people understand that not everyone can seize opportunities. About ny-five percent of people are still in mediocrity. In their mediocre lives, there are always a few opportunities to change their fate, but they just can''t see or grasp them.


    People get the first part, but often miss the rest. Sometimes, when you take hold of an opportunity, it feels like a life-changing moment... and sometimes, it truly is.


    That happens when you''re already geared up. Opportunities can bring wealth, status, and recognition aligned with your full potential. To those who are ready, opportunities flow like a gentle, weing stream.


    But if you''re not prepared, that opportunity can smack you like a speeding train. There are plenty of stories about people who, by ''seizing'' an opportunity, ended up losing everything.


    Lin Qi was prepared and able to create opportunities. Joegleman had encountered such individuals before. With his status, he had met some social elites in the local and surrounding areas. In Lin Qi, he saw shades of these people.


    Ambitious, always ready (like a hunter hidden in the dark), such individuals were difficult to fail. That was why Joegleman was willing to give Lin Qi a chance.


    No one wouldin about having too many high-quality connections. As long as one lives in this society, this is one of the things they cannot cannot avoid.


    The guy referred to as "Naf" was a member of the legal team at GoldenExchange Bank in Sabin City. The bank dealt with a high volume ofwsuits annually, and hiring externalwyers for each case was bing excessively costly. So, they took the initiative to train and establish an in-house team ofwyers to manage their legal matters more cost-effectively.


    Naf meticulously examined the documents, not missing a single symbol. He even took a piece of paper to note down his thoughts or mark certain sections.


    After about half an hour, he breathed a sigh of relief, organized the files in the order he reviewed them, ced them on the table, and looked at Joegleman.


    "Any issues with these documents?" Joegleman took out two solid-colored, genuinely solid-colored, Colofu and handed one to Naf, who gratefully epted it.


    "No issues. This pledge agreement is based on the current loan agreement, with some additional uses added." Answered Naf as he cut off part of the Colofu cap.


    "There are two interesting uses. The first one stiptes that if the borrower fails to repay the loan shortly after the agreement''s signing, not only must they forfeit the coteral but also repay the principal and interest." A hint of an enigmatic smile appeared on his face. "Seems like a new agreement from those financialpanies outside. It''s something that they have never done in the past."


    Naf''s expression showed contempt for those financialpanies, the same contempt Joegleman held.


    In the past, when Mr. Fox distributed aid, most people merely had to write an IOU. If it was someone from the streets, they might not even need to write one. All this changed after Lin Qi appeared.


    Joegleman nodded, and Naf continued, "I noticed a line in their additional uses...," He pointed it out for Joegleman to see. It mentioned that the agreement was signed with a third-party witness, voluntarily and without coercion. The names of the third parties and their signatures were listed.


    "This is a rather clever use. From my perspective, it''s problematic. When a person needs money, they will sign any agreement to get it."


    "Legally, this situation could be considered coercion or being dominant, but paradoxically, it still holds legal validity. You can feel its conflict, contradiction, yet can''t ignore it. Whoever proposed this idea is very smart."


    When a person urgently needs money, they would fall into a passive and vulnerable state. Saying that they are being dominated or coerced, as Naf mentioned, isn''t entirely wrong.


    People in dire need of money would do anything to get it, let alone sign such a deration. So, subjectively, this use was clearly a cover-up to conceal the truth.


    Yet, legally, it held value because judges wouldn''t consider what the borrower was thinking at the time. Lawyers wouldn''t provide borrowers a chance to exin. They would only ask if someone threatened them with a knife, gun, or any other weapon, whether they were in a sound state of mind, and if they knew what they signed... and those were more than enough to validate it.


    "Are you suggesting we could use this in our agreements?" Joegleman queried, to which Naf nodded. "Good, report it to the regional division and have them look into it," he paused, then added, "Carry on."


    After setting aside the two pledge agreements, Naf picked up the other documents. "These are official documents, legally binding. However, in the uses where Gettnau Financial entrusts Dyson Asset Management with full authority over their assets, there are some counter-uses..."


    He then pointed out those specific uses, providing a brief exnation. However, both of them knew that fundamentally these things held no value; it was unrealistic to expect people from those financialpanies to spend their days in court.


    Their valuey solely in their legal validity; theycked enforceability. Perhaps, inparison to enforceability, the subordinates nurtured by financialpanies might be more capable.


    "What I mean is, are Dyson Asset Management''s control and authority over these agreements and their content legal?" Joegleman asked, even though Naf had already exined earlier.


    "Yes, Mr. Joegleman. Before the counter-uses take effect, Dyson Asset Management legally owns these ''assets.''"


    Joegleman further inquired, "Including pledging these pledge agreements?" Naf paused for a moment, realizing why Joegleman, the credit department manager, had him look at these documents. After a couple of seconds, he nodded. "At least, ording to our statew. If you need information from other states, I can request legal aid from the branch."


    Joegleman waved his hand and stood up. "No need. Thank you for taking the time to help me look at these..."


    Naf promptly stood up as well, buttoning his coat. "This is what I should do." He shook Joegleman''s hand when he saw him extend his hand to him, then took his leave proactively.


    After seeing Naf off, Joegleman closed the door and looked at the files on his table, revealing a slight smile.


    ording to Lin Qi''s words, he possessed pledge loan agreements worth millions, if not countless agreements. Joegleman realized that when Lin Qi got the money, it was tantamount to Gettnau Financial getting the money.


    What would a financialpany do once they received money? Naturally, they would continue to aid those in need, creating a snowball effect, growingrger andrger.


    By managing the risk properly, ending the authority period before the counter-uses in the pledge agreements took effect, the bank could avoid all risks. Both Dyson Asset Management, the middleman, and Gettnau Financial, the frontlinepany, would bear the risks themselves. The bank, including Lin Qi himself, faced minimal risks.


    In fact, the only one truly in danger was Dyson Asset Management. From the financialpany''s perspective, whether they had these agreements or not wouldn''t stop them from recovering debts. But the issues within the agreements would turn them into bad debts for the asset managementpany, possibly even a way for the financialpany to evade taxes by hidingrge sums of money!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 60:

    Chapter 60:


    On the other side, after Director Johnson left the meeting, he waited outside the restaurant for a while, smoking two cigarettes before gritting his teeth and driving to Michael''s home.


    Mrs. Michael had finished her hospital treatment; her physical bruises had healed, leaving only the need for psychological therapy, which might continue for three to six months or possibly longer, depending on the circumstances. The prolonged therapy implied substantial expenses, and Michael''s work had halted, abruptly cutting off the entire family''s ie.


    Although he had some money in the bank, roughly over twenty thousand, it was insufficient to cover uing expenses. For ordinary people, especially those living in the lower-ie area, psychological therapy might seem like a typical ailment for the affluent. Girls living near the chaotic streets of the lower-ie area had grown up facing various harassments, from verbal to physical, even potentially violent situations. Logically, these people should''ve gone mad or lost their minds already, but it wasn''t entirely the case.


    Some had indeed spiraled into self-destruction, yet others remained resilient and optimistic. Pain could both harm and instill a longing for strength. It''s because one is in darkness, they yearn more for lightthough these were all nonsense. Life is about living, and living demands resilience.


    When Director Johnson parked his car outside Michael''s home, he noticed a police car on the roadside and two officers having afternoon tea. They nced briefly at Director Johnson before returning to focus on their sweet coffee and chocte-covered donuts.


    Although Michael had left the police station, he remained under surveince, unable to leave his residence unnecessarily ormunicate with outsiders alone. However, due to his previous ''status,'' the police had slightly eased their watch, allowing him to talk to others without an officer present.


    Director Johnson had visited Michael''s home several times before and had always felt that Michael was a fortunate guy. He had a harmonious family, a thriving career, and a house imbued with an ambiance of beautiful positivity. However, this time, upon pushing the door open, a scent reminiscent of decay, like that from a grave, wafted out, unpleasant and instantly dampening his mood.


    The roomcked lighting, with some windows covered by curtains, possibly due to Mrs. Michael''s condition, casting Michael into darkness.


    As the door opened, the outside light illuminated the room slightly, revealing more details. Michael sat on the sofa, looking witheredpared to half a month agonoticeably thinner, almost skeletal. His unshaven face added to his disheveled appearance, particrly his unkempt hair, now showing streaks of gray, as though time had fast-forwarded him into premature aging.


    Michael nced briefly at Director Johnson before turning his gaze back to the unlit TV screen, seemingly lost in thought. A sense of indignation rose within Director Johnson. At the tax office, where he was considered quite amodating; he had expected to bond with everyone, but encountering someone like Michael was infuriating.


    Not addressing it might seem a blow to his dignity, but at least, Michael should''ve shown some gratitude or appreciation. Here, the Director came to visit him amidst his trouble, yet Michael treated him as though he were invisible.


    Quickly, this indignation dissipated. If he were genuinely angry, he might have been driven mad by these people long ago.


    "What are you here for?" Michael''s tone carried a hint of mockery. "To deliver my final judgment?"


    Director Johnson was dazed for a moment. After his gaze was drawn to the newspapers on the coffee table, he understood where the problemy.


    In recent days, the newspapers debated whether there was a personal vendetta between Michael and Lin Qi, questioning whether Michael might have sought revenge using his power.


    Revenge andw enforcement brutality were unrted; these were isted incidents. However, Michael''s vendetta affected the tax department andw enforcement department. This softened the previous harsh criticism toward those departments from public opinion.


    Furthermore, some people linked Michael, Michael Junior, and Lin Qi''s past police reports of theft together.


    Michael, a mentally and physically sound adult, possessed clear principles and independent thinking. He understood that when the media''s narrative shifted, there were definitely people behind the scenes orchestrating this change.


    The media aimed to portray him as a typical viin; they couldn''t do it themselves as their focus was onw enforcement issues. Those capable of changing their narrative were some of the people behind themthis was Michael''s insight over these days and why he now resisted Director Johnson''s presence.


    Director Johnson remained silent, unsure how to respond. His silence increased Michael''s disappointment and despair, making him realize it wasn''t his imagination; he was abandoned.


    "Why?" He turned to Director Johnson. "Why is it like this? Whose decision is it?" His voice turned hoarse, as if there were grains of sand in his throat, causing each word and letter to feel distinctly rough.


    Director Johnson''s face slightly reddened, sighing. "It''s a decision from above. You''ve put the whole system in a very bad spot..."


    "In a bad spot, so I get abandoned?" Michael''s frustration intensified with every word, his face turning rapidly red. With a hint of foam appearing at the corners of his mouth and his hair bristling in anger; his overall mental state seemed a bit unwell.


    Seeing Michael''s anger directed at him, Director Johnson suddenly regained aposed and steady demeanor. His gaze transformed, bing difficult for Michael to decipher, slightly intimidating.


    "You''ve always been impulsive, with a bad temper. I''ve warned you countless times..." Director Johnson''s voice carried a hint of nostalgia, reminiscing about past times. "Since I became Director, over these ten years,ints against you have filled more than half the Sabin City Tax Bureau''sint box."


    "Enjoys intimidating suspects, indulges in casual aggression, freely disrespects and humiliates others, and frequently acts without proper proceduresyour behavior has numerous issues."


    Johnson looked at Michael seriously. "Don''t feel wronged; this is what you deserve. I''ve warned you, but you always do things your own way!"


    "The times have changed; this is a new era. Perhaps in the past, we hadn''tpletely cleansed ourselves of wildness and brutality, but now we have achieved that."


    "Even if you hadn''t encountered Lin Qi, you would have crossed paths with someone like him. If you don''t change yourself, you''ll fall."


    "Don''t say we abandoned you; you abandoned yourself!"


    Director Johnson''s words brought Michael back to a state of calm, making him feel despondent. He couldn''t help hugging his head in agony. He knew Director Johnson was right, but once a work style like this developed, it was hard to change.


    No, it was more about ingrained beliefs. In Michael''s eyes, criminals had no human rights. He had solidified this conviction through people like News Head.


    As long as they weren''t killed, they would pretend nothing had happened because inherently they were unclean, afraid to make any noise, only enduring in silence.


    Until he encountered Lin Qi, a criminal who wieldedw and the police as weaponsthen everything changed.


    He couldn''tprehend why it was Lin Qi, why it was himself, why it involved his family. Lin Qi that bastard didn''t y by the rules!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 61:

    Chapter 61:


    "Now you have two choices," Director Johnson stood in front of Michael''s study bookshelf, looking at books with traces of being flipped through, and for the first time, his impression of Michael improved.


    He initially thought Michael wouldn''t be a reader, but it seemed that many of the books here had been read.


    Sighing inwardly, he turned to Michael and said, "The first choice, Michael Junior entered and stole Lin Qi''s ring. You want Lin Qi to withdraw theint, so you framed and set him up, attempting to make himpromise through your means."


    This was "Lin Qi''s version." Lin Qi imed that Michael had attempted to kill him, a version Director Johnson did not adopt. He knew that if attempted murder was established,bined with previous allegations, Michael might be implicated in a first-degree murder charge. Although Lin Qi didn''t die in the end, given the current public outcry and the negative impact on society, the jury would likely consider Michael guilty, and the judge would harshly sentence him to appease public outrage.


    Once it reached that point, it wouldn''t be a matter of a few years in prison; Michael could end up spending decades, if not fifty years, behind bars. Knowing thew and breaking it was always an excellent sentencing tool, no matter how much was given, people wouldn''t feel it was too much.


    Michael''s breathing became heavier; he red at Director Johnson with hostility, but thetter ignored his expression and gaze.


    "This has nothing to do with my child. My child was also framed and set up by Lin Qi..."


    Director Johnson nced at him. No one knew exactly what actually happened in Michael Junior''s case even until now; he openly admitted his criminal acts while refusing tomunicate with Michael. The insider information remained unknown to them.


    Perhaps, as Michael imed, he was framed and set up by Lin Qi, but the judge wouldn''t see it that way.


    "The second choice, you have a personal grudge against Lin Qi. You feel he disrespected you too much, hurt your inner feelings, so you repeatedly harassed him to make him realize the gap between you two and respect you."


    This was Director Johnson''s version. If the focus was too much on the criminal actions of Michael and his child, it would raise concerns about whether lower-levelw enforcement officials might have simr situations. It was better to downy the crime, using the conflicts and disputes between two individuals as a basis, simply stating that Michael''s personal character was problematic.


    Michael''s situation aligned well with the second version, to the point that there was no need for everyone to script the story. They could just have reporters interview people who had had contact with Michael or his colleagues, and conclusions could be drawn.


    Michael''s personal image would be more specific and more negative in society, but the benefit was that the Sabin City Tax Bureau would extricate itself from the entire incident, andw enforcement issues would be resolved.


    Michael tugged at his hair; he clenched his teeth, and his lips lost color due to the pressure. His gaze looked wounded, with a touch of despair. He knew he had to make a choice.


    The first option was not viable; it would expose his son to the media, and not only he but also his son would face criticism; even his wife and family wouldn''t be able to escape public scrutiny.


    He had no choice but to choose the second one...


    When Michael made his choice, Director Johnson felt an indescribable sense of relief. Even before leaving, he joked with Michael that they didn''t need to "collude." Michael just needed to act naturally, and people would believe his choice was the truth.


    These things seemed cruel, making a person choose how to endure one of the most terrible things in life. However, it was an unavoidable situation.


    Because the next step to overturn public opinion required the cooperation of Michael and Lin Qi. Without those reporters with "professional ethics" digging up more "insider information," the truth wouldn''t appear before the public.


    Although it seemed like reporters had a more significant role, in reality, Michael and Lin Qi''s work was more critical. With the emergence of various inside stories, they would appear in front of the media, facing public scrutiny. Thus, their cooperation was essential.


    After resolving these matters, Director Johnson seemed to have smoothed out his regret for Michael. Not only did he save Michael from Lin Qi''s version, but he would also take care of Michael''s family until he got out of prison.


    Without him, this family would have fallen apart, and he had done everything a superior should do, even exceeding many expectations.


    The next day, Joegleman called Lin Qi, expressing willingness to discuss their small business dealings. Lin Qi naturally agreed.


    Ten percent of two million, and five percent of the expected return. This was a deal worth hundreds of thousands, with minimal danger to himself. Many might think this was a chaotic era, but Lin Qi felt that this was the golden age!


    In the morning, the two arranged to meet at a private club. Such meetings requiring privacy were better not exposed to the public.


    In society, many people had a "terrifying" perception. They believed that upper-ss figures didn''t need leisure or entertainment; they were always working, and perhaps socializing was their form of recreation.


    This was a distorted understanding. Just because people didn''t see their entertainment, it didn''t mean they had none. Who knew how much entertainment they had in ces where people couldn''t see!


    Around nine o''clock, Lin Qi appeared on a secluded street outside the central city, carrying a suitcase. There weren''t many pedestrians on the street at this time, and ording to the address Joegleman gave him, he arrived at a door with a red carpet, one square meter in size.


    From the outside, it didn''t look much different from most houses on this street. It included three steps at the entrance, a short handrail almost never used, and an old-fashioned wooden door.


    The door might be wider than those of other houses, but that was about it. No sign, no name, everything was in, making it difficult for passersby to focus their attention on it.


    Lin Qi double-checked the address, pushed the door open, and entered. Upon entering, there were two elevator doors, and a small workroom with a fence inside, where a bespectacled man dressed like a butler sat.


    The environment here was like the ground floor of most apartments. Lin Qi, with a slight curiosity, walked to the counter. "Mr. Joegleman asked me to meet him here..."


    The man who looked like a butler immediately started flipping through the notebook in front of him. "May I ask for your name, sir?"


    "Lin Qi."


    The man calmly scrutinized Lin Qi, then, after confirming, he took a key from the wall full of keys behind him. Along with a small card the size of a palm, he ced them on a tray covered in red velvet, lifting it with both hands to pass it over.


    "Mr. Lin Qi..." After Lin Qi took these items, he slightly bowed. "Is there anything else I can assist you with?"


    Lin Qi nced at him, shook his head, and walked towards the elevator.


    After entering the elevator, he discovered that the card was a key to the elevator floor. At one end of the card were small holes; after inserting it into the slot, the corresponding floor would light up.


    After an almost imperceptible ascent and descent, the elevator doors slowly opened, and upon stepping out, everything before his eyes instantly became extremely luxurious!


    Gold-ted decorations, bright red carpets, exquisite tapestries, and oil paintings appeared on the walls at intervals, though Lin Qi was no art connoisseur, some were indeed impressive.


    The atmosphere was imbued with a subtle fragrance he had never encountered, possessing a calm and subdued quality that, though not lively, conveyed a sense of solemnity.


    The gaps between each door were quite wide, indicating that the building was muchrger than it appeared. Soon, Lin Qi arrived at the door corresponding to his key number. The door, adorned with various gems, was half metallic, exuding a palpable sense of heaviness as he stood before it.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 62:

    Chapter 62:


    As the door to the room opened, a brief and rapid bell rang within the room. It wasn''t piercing, nor too long,sting only one or two seconds.


    This bell was specifically designed to alert those inside the room that someone was entering, providing a few seconds of buffer to avoid awkward situations. Joegleman stood up, apanied by three young individuals. They, following Joegleman''s lead, weed Lin Qi.


    Lin Qi calmly walked over, extended his hand, and shook hands with Joegleman. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Joegleman introduced the three young individuals behind him.


    "These are excellent client managers from GoldenExchange Bank..." Ignoring the unimportant names of the three, Lin Qi probably understood Joegleman''s intention.


    He wouldn''t exclusively secure this deal for himself, and he wouldn''t even directly participate in it. Lin Qi would reach a loan agreement with these three client managers, and the assets he pledged would also be part of the achievements of these three client managers.


    For Joegleman, it didn''t matter who secured Lin Qi''s business. At his position, individual achievements were no longer crucial. Even if he didn''t close a deal for an entire year, nobody would consider him worthless.


    As the manager of the credit department, his "performance" was a collective achievement of the entire department. Since his personal involvement didn''t matter, why not use these deals to win people over?


    Where there are people, there is struggle; where there is struggle, there are alliances. These three young individuals were staunch supporters of Joegleman. Being younger, they had greater potential, and if these deals, present and future, fell into their hands, it would propel them to higher positions.


    At the same time, as the manager of the credit department, Joegleman would also benefit. So why not be a generous boss?


    Moreover, it was also a preventive measure. If any issues arose on Lin Qi''s side during the process, affecting the bank''s interests, Joegleman could immediately distance himself. He was only responsible for the introduction and confirming the bank''s loan review process; everything else was not his concern. If there were any illegalities, he wouldn''t be implicated.


    If the cooperation went smoothly, he would also benefit. The multimillion-buck loan deals were signed under his supervision, and as the direct person in charge of these achievements, he would receive significant evaluations from both the regional divisions and the headquarters.


    The top management of banks, especially in crucial departments like the credit department, always prioritized risk assessment and prevention. They could afford not to make much profit, but there absolutely couldn''t be significant losses.


    Led by Joegleman, everyone engaged in simple conversation at first, quickly transitioning from inconspicuous topics to the recent economic trends in the federation.


    Economic development seemed to have suddenly loosened up, with various industries facing minor issues. From the loan rates and loan amounts distributed by the six major banks in the first half of the year with previous years, it was evident that society was quietly changing.


    As the conversation progressed, Joegleman gradually relinquished the lead, allowing these young people to express themselves freely. He observed from the sidelines, primarily focusing on observing Lin Qi.


    A copy of Gettnau Financial''s new contract had already been delivered to the regional division. The legal counsel at the regional division believed that the additional uses in Gettnau Financial''s loan contract held significant meaning and value. They also nned to introduce their own new contract in the second to third quarter of theing year.


    The dy was partly to wait for the current contracts to be used up, saving money on printing. Additionally, they wanted to conduct an investigation to ensure these terms didn''t conflict with localws in certain states.


    In general, Joegleman had already scored a point. He didn''t think these ideas came from a financialpany owner who hadn''t attended many days of school or hiswyer advisor. Otherwise, he would have had these things long ago, and he wouldn''t have to wait for Lin Qi to appear.


    This indicated that everything was rted to Lin Qi.


    At this moment, he observed Lin Qi''s performance closely, and what impressed him the most was Lin Qi''s confidence. Lin Qi''s assessment of the future trends in the financial economy made Joegleman faintly feel that he was right.


    "If the market continues to weaken, it is very likely to lead to overcapacity. If the federal government cannot address these issues well, capitalists will startying off workers as their next step. Arge number of workers will be unemployed, and social conflicts and contradictions may further escte and erupt." Lin Qi''s eloquence left the three young individuals with no room to interject. Simultaneously, what he said was quite rming.


    Economists were constantly talking about a new round of major development after the peak rebound. Although no one knew when this rebound would end, most people held an optimistic attitude.


    Lin Qi''s counter-current view immediately caught people''s attention. Just as one of the young men used the respectful term "Mr. Lin Qi" to seek advice from this younger Lin Qi, Joegleman stood up.


    The attention of the four individuals was drawn to him, and he smiled apologetically. "I need to take a call..." At the same time, there was a subtle change of look in his eyes.


    Eye is a unique medium. Some describe eyes as the windows to the soul, while others believe that eyes and the look in one''s eyes cannot convey messages.


    However, there is always that moment when people can understand each other''s intentions through their eyes, with simple messages like "don''t" or "understand."


    Lin Qi nodded, saying, "Please go ahead." As Joegleman entered another room, the young people stopped their previous inquiries and began discussing today''s main business.


    At this stage, their meeting was mostly about expressing deeper intentions. The contract wouldn''t be signed here. If the loan agreement were signed here, Lin Qi might not have any issues, but these three young individuals would not only lose their jobs but might also end up in jail.


    They began discussing the information Lin Qi brought, and with Joegleman''s supportsince he wouldn''t have brought them to meet Lin Qi if he didn''t support this businessthe tone of the matter had been set, leaving only details to be worked out.


    After more than forty minutes, Mr. Joegleman, who had just finished the call, returned from the other room. He looked at the four young people chatting and smiled with a hint of apology.


    "Sorry, I received an important call and need to join a teleconference. I can''t continue apanying you..." He checked the gem-encrusted watch on his wrist. "It''s almost noon. You can have lunch here or go wherever you like. In any case, I need to see you at the bank after 2 PM. Is that okay?"


    At this point, the deal was essentially settled. After signing the agreement in the afternoon andpleting the bank''s approval process, the money would be transferred to Dyson Asset Management''s Company''s corporate ount.


    But the business between them wouldn''t stop here. Joegleman was well aware that once Lin Qi had more money, Gettnau Financial would have more coteral loan agreements, creating an ever-advancing snowball that would bring him immense profits and prestige.


    On the way back, he looked at the troubled pedestrians on the street, inexplicably thinking about Lin Qi''s previous wordsa speech that many found shocking!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 63:

    Chapter 63:


    "Altogether... three million two hundred and forty thousand!" In the office, Joegleman looked at the statistical report in his hand with some astonishment, unable to help but exim in a tone of surprise.


    When Lin Qi mentioned there were nearly several million in coteral, Joegleman initially thought it was an exaggeration, amon urrence in the financial field. Installment redemptions, discounted redemptions, and various forms of redemption always made it hard to trust the numbers people threw around. However, Lin Qi surprised him.


    Putting the statistical sheet down, Joegleman adjusted his sitting posture slightly. "Impressive figure, but you should know I can''t lend you based on the appraisal value. At most, it can be fifty percent. I can''t give you more than that."


    Joegleman flicked through the statistics with his hand, a hint of regret appearing on his face. "These aren''t high-quality assets. The bank will face significant risks. So..." He shrugged and looked back at Lin Qi.


    Banks had their own professional appraisers who, while tallying these assets, found ack of highly sought-after, immediately marketable items, such as precious metals like gold or easily liquidatable items like jewelry. Instead, there were items not so easy to get rid of, such as daily necessities, tools, with houses and cars being the majority.


    Sabin City wasn''t a big city, nor a state capital or the federal center. The houses mortgaged in these agreements were mostly from ordinarymunities,cking middle-ss and upper-ss district properties.


    In small cities, valuable real estate mainly referred to houses in middle-ss and top-tier upper-ssmunities. They owned the best locations, most beautiful views, and hadprehensive services. Such houses could easily be sold, as long as the price was slightly lower than market value, around ten to fifteen percent less, making them readily marketable.


    However, houses in ordinarymunities wouldn''t follow the same pattern. Real estate development, especially residential development, in working-ss and poor areas was an unappreciated effort. Slow sales cycles could easily bankrupt real estate developers.


    In addition, some individuals had a penchant for disorder. Impoverished people, in particr, tend to forcibly enter unsold houses, often causing various troubles. In certain states, localws stipted that after a specific period of residence in someone else''s house, individuals could naturally acquire ownership of the property. This had fueled a growing enthusiasm among many to inhabit houses that had not been sold or were vacant due to relocation.


    The chaotic environments of civilian and impoverished areas, coupled with unsettling street cultures, were factors constraining the rise in property prices. It was not that these propertiescked value; rather, it was challenging to realize their actual worth.


    The same applied to cars. Without luxury brands, most were regr ones, some with limited lifespans, leading some appraisers to consider them as potentially abandoned stolen vehicles.


    The path to realizing value for these things was full of twists and turns; it was hard to say whether holding onto them would guarantee breaking even. If Lin Qi truly intended to convert these things into cash, especially for this particr transaction, Joegleman would be even more cautious. He might go to the extent of refusing any business with Lin Qi, preferring to forgo the deal rather than take on the associated risks.


    However, Joegleman now understood Lin Qi''s intentions. The money Joegleman lent to Lin Qi would go to Gettnau Financial, ensuring a continuous flow. More agreements would be mortgaged to the bank, eventually generating an astounding figure. So, he didn''t mind such business.


    Joegleman pondered for a moment. "I can offer you a maximum of one million six hundred thousand." He believed this price was rtively safe, and Lin Qi had no reason to object. With one million six hundred thousand, he could receive a service fee of one hundred sixty thousand, along with roughly one to two times the expected profit.


    This single transaction alone would bring Lin Qi at least two hundred fifty thousand in ie, much faster than exchanging loose change, and he wouldn''t have to pay a single penny in interest to the bank. Gettnau Financial would cover this part, entrusting Dyson Asset Management to fully manage these assets and paying a "management fee."


    In other words, Dyson Asset Managementpletely severed the rtionship between Gettnau Financial and GoldenExchange Bank during the entire process, which formed the basis for their cooperation.


    Lin Qi''s immediate eptance without striving for arger share made Joegleman appreciate him even more. A smile appeared on his face, and he asked, "Do you prefer a check, a promissory note, a bank draft, or a wire transfer to your ount?"


    Until now, checks from the six major federal banks had limits, and cashing a check for a million bucks was impossible. Even wire transfers had their constraints. Checks were easy to counterfeit, and for various technical reasons, it was challenging to execute.


    Joegleman was referring to small cash checks, but obviously, Lin Qi had a different view. "I want cash." When Lin Qi said this, Joegleman was stunned. It wasn''t that the bank couldn''t provide the cash, butrge amounts required a series of procedures, a bit troublesome, and might involve coordinating with the police.


    Seeing Joegleman''s expression, Lin Qi frowned slightly, then eased up, seemingly nonchntly. "Is it not possible?"


    After some thought, Joegleman finally nodded. "It''s not impossible, just inconvenient. There are many procedures involved. I need to create documents first and send them to the regional division and headquarters. There are also some other legal procedures, at least four to five days."


    "I can wait." Faced with these difficulties, Lin Qi did not show any hesitation at all. The two exchanged nces for two or three seconds, and then Joegleman nodded, indicating that he wouldplete the transaction as soon as possible.


    Seeing that the deal was done, Lin Qi stood up at the right moment. "Then..."


    Joegleman also stood up and extended his hand across the desk, "It''s a pleasure doing business with you."


    After seeing Lin Qi off, Joegleman shook his head with a smile. He understood why Lin Qi insisted on cash.


    A proof of more than a million bucks in cash would allow Lin Qi to mix in more cash without drawing suspicion. In simple terms, if the bank issued a certificate stating that Lin Qi withdrew one million six hundred thousand in cash, any subsequent amount he withdrew under that figure could be considered legal, as long as he was clever enough.


    In other words, Lin Qi could integrate more money, one million, two million, or even more into this certificate,pletelyundering it. He was indeed a clever person.


    Having signed this deal and a series of subsequent coborations, Joegleman was in high spirits. In the evening, three subordinates invited him out to celebrate. In this business deal, they could probably earn a significantmission, giving them a reason to indulge a bit.


    This was the routine of dealing with moneyearn big, spendvishly, and repeat the cycle.


    Joegleman declined their invitation. As the manager of the credit department, he wasn''t suitable to appear with them at this time. He needed to keep a low profile.


    Driving back home, he parked the car, and as he passed the yard, he subconsciously nced at the mailbox. People like him received letters from all over the country every daysome from peers, some self-rmendation letters from major foundations, and there were also various financial institutions offering subscriptions or free financial services.


    After dinner with his wife and children, spending some time together, and watching TV for a while, he returned to the study alone to handle these letters.


    To his surprise, the first letter didn''t have a postmark, no sender, no recipient, not even a single word on the envelope.


    Confused, he used a letter opener to cut open the envelope.


    The room''s lighting at night was never as bright as during the day, but it still clearly showed that his dted pupils contracted quickly when he saw what was inside.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 64:

    Chapter 64:


    Joegleman knew Lin Qi''s method was very special, but he wouldn''t disclose anything about it to other people until he had a clear and definite goal.


    Speaking out casually may expose things that shouldn''t be known to others, potentially turning it into a scandal or even a misconduct case. He wanted to maintain silence and observe the surrounding environment first. But even if he had a clear goal in the end, he would probably be still hesitant to face it.


    Nevertheless, he still had a resolute decision in his mind, firmly convinced that it was the correct choice.


    Recently, the only person with whom he had business dealings, which involved a thirty thousand buck reward, was Lin Qi. Undoubtedly, this was definitely a gift from Lin Qi. However, he found himself unable to speak out, making it impossible for him to return the money; as a result, this money would remain in his pocket, transforming into an unconventional reality.


    Being a bank credit department manager, he had ways to handle this money, whether by depositing it into an overseas ount or legally funneling it back into his own ount through investment channels and fund channels. For him, it was a simple matter.


    He flicked the check before cing it in the drawer. Simultaneously, he came to the realization that this wouldn''t be the final instance of receiving money from Lin Qi. Somehow, an anticipation for the intriguing coborations with Lin Qi, this fascinating young man, began to grow within him. He was convinced that the uing ventures would be exceptionally interesting.


    In situations like these, maintaining a tacit and unspoken silence was of utmost importance.


    A few days passed quickly. Early in the morning, Lin Qi entered the bank''s internal parking lot driving a car borrowed from elsewhere. This was where the money would be loaded into the vehicle.


    When he parked the car, three client managers who were inmunication with him had been waiting for a while. Excitement was evident on their faces as one hundred and sixty thousand in cash, equivalent to a hundred and sixty stacks of one hundred buck bills, was staggering when piled together.


    Most people, or rather, the vast majority, wouldn''t see so much money stacked together in their entire lives. They could only imagine the scene with an admiring tone, saying, "It must be quite shocking."


    However, the actual shock, and stimtion, far exceeded their imagination when facing this money.


    Even three client managers who worked in the bank, ustomed to the flow of money, experienced a brief moment of daze upon seeing so much cash.


    They eagerly anticipated Lin Qi''s reaction. If more people disyed awkward responses to money, it might help ease their slight dissatisfaction with their recent embarrassing reactions. Additionally, it could fulfill their psychological desire to relish in the embarrassment of others.


    However, they were destined for disappointment because the man standing in front of them had seen one hundred and sixty thousand, sixteen hundred thousand, and even sixteen million in cash. This amount was nothing more than a drizzle to him.


    "Do you... not find it shocking?" one of the client managers couldn''t help but ask, wanting to explore whether Lin Qi''s calm demeanor was genuine or an act. He emphasized, "Here is one hundred and sixty thousand, one hundred and sixty thousand!"


    Looking at the somewhat excited expression of the client manager, Lin Qi just nodded calmly. He walked to the side of the steps, looking at the money ced there, casually picking up a stack.


    Unlike the preference of people on the streets to roll the money together, these bills were bundled together with paper bands.


    He casually flipped through the stack of bills, the banknotes making a soft rustling sound. In the released air, a distinct scent of ink lingered. Ten thousand bucks, all in this bundle!


    He smiled faintly, and threw the money back, "One hundred and sixty thousand, sixteen thousand bills. It probably weighs about twenty kilograms whenbined..." He turned to the client manager, his expression and gaze seemed to ask, "What more do you want me to say?"


    Faced with Lin Qi''s calmness, the client manager chuckled awkwardly, feeling a bit embarrassed. After Lin Qi''s remark, he also felt that one hundred and sixty thousand wasn''t as impressive as he had initially thought.


    The excitement on the faces of the surrounding staff, including the police, quickly disappeared. Suddenly, they felt a bit... indescribably awkward.


    What was initially a unique event ended abruptly, somewhat disappointing.


    The customer manager, after losing all the excitement, asked out of formality, "Would you like to inspect it?"


    In fact, he knew Lin Qi wouldn''t verify it. Firstly, this was a bank; there wouldn''t be counterfeit money in a bank. Secondly, the cost of making counterfeit money was too high, and there was no guarantee of making a profit.


    If one possessed the skill and craftsmanship for counterfeiting money, it would be much better to create counterfeit cash checks. Not only was the production process simpler, but they were also easy to use.


    This was just a formality. However, he didn''t expect Lin Qi to take it seriously.


    "Of course." Lin Qi picked up another stack of bills and lightly flicked them. The moment his fingertips touched the bills, he received clear feedback.


    The forgery technology of this era was limited. Not to mention various "photolithography tes," even copper te engraving and corroded te techniques were considered high-end. It was almost impossible to create a touch close to real currency.


    They only knew ordinary printing technology, making it easy for people to detect counterfeit money.


    After randomly checking about a third of the money, Lin Qi signaled that it was enough. The police, who had been observing, solemnly signed their names on a form, indicating that Lin Qi had approved these banknotes after inspection.


    One might think the bank was being excessive. However, the reason why they were doing this was not to protect the client but to protect themselves.


    The money was eventually packed into three suitcases, with each suitcase capable of holding only five hundred thousand. These were therger suitcases purchased by Lin Qi, and if they were the smaller ones, each could only amodate two hundred thousand.


    The money was directly loaded into his car. With Lin Qi''s invitation, two police officers escorted him all the way back to Dyson Asset Management Company.


    It was an inconspicuous roadside house without even a sign. However, Lin Qi had no intention of putting up a sign. It was like a piece of toilet paper; it would be discarded once used, impossible to keep in the pocket forever.


    Shortly after the police left, Mr. Fox arrived personally with his men. They entered through the back door, and when they saw three boxes plus one hundred thousand in cash in the room, everyone''s breathing became heavy and rapid.


    "How how much is here?" Mr. Fox, who had dealt with money for half of his life, felt like he had returned to the state he was in twenty years agoyouthful, pulsating with energy, and full of strength.


    He gently stroked the cash inside the suitcase with hands that had already loosened skin, as earnestly and meticulously as if caressing a lover''s skin.


    "One hundred and sixty thousand exactly..." Lin Qi walked to the side of the suitcase, took out six more stacks from the suitcase, and ced them together with another ten thousand. "This is my share."


    Mr. Fox stared at Lin Qi, his gaze undergoing some changes. At first, it was fierce, but soon softened. He nodded, "This is what you deserve."


    Lin Qi put the money aside and returned to the office. When he came back, he took out a document and handed it over.


    "This is a cash withdrawal certificate issued by the bank, witnessed by the local police station. In the future, if someone questions the legality of your cash when you makerge cash payments, you can show them this."


    "By the way, it''s best to make a copy. You''ll need it frequently."


    If Mr. Fox had expressed dissatisfaction with Lin Qi taking the money just now, Lin Qi wouldn''t have presented this document. He had many ways to make Mr. Fox spit out his share with interest.


    Fortunately, when faced with such arge sum of money, Mr. Fox restrained his greed, thereby avoiding a lot of trouble.


    Flipping through the documents, Mr. Fox subconsciously asked, "Does that mean all my money can be..."


    He looked up at Lin Qi in anticipation. Upon seeing Lin Qi nodded, Mr. Fox''s face lit up with joy.


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 Chapter 65:

    Chapter 65:


    Recently, the factory''s increasing frequency of shutdowns had everyone feeling uneasy. It all began with a week off each monthst year, and now it had escted to working one week and shutting down the next. A sense of panic was spreading among the workers, especially since there were rumors that the factory might not survive much longer.


    It wasn''t that the factory was losing money; in fact, it wasn''t operating at a loss. The problem was the diminishing demand for its products. Many goods were piling up in the warehouse, slowly umting dust. If things didn''t sell, there would be no ie. With the costs of production, warehouse management, workers'' wages, and other losses, it became the factory owner''s biggest headache.


    Despite the factory owner''s assurances to the workers that he would do everything possible to keep the factory running, everyone had a feeling that the days of finding a new job were not far away.


    Anderson () was a very ordinary worker, and today was his payday. He arrived at the factory early in the morning, neatly dressed. People gathered in small groups, chatting about ordinary topicsmostly about who suddenly became wealthy or which nearby factories had recently closed.


    In the past, they never felt life would be this challenging, especially a few years ago when the factory operated continuously from morning till night. Back then, they were tired but fulfilled. Hard work brought generous rewards, and the factory owner even expanded the facilities, creating more job opportunities.


    As they reminisced about the past or feared the future, amotion erupted from the factory''s finance office.


    The noisy sounds instantly pricked everyone''s sensitive nerves. Most people immediately stopped what they were doing and hurried towards the finance office.


    Upon approaching, Anderson discovered that some workers were arguing with the factory owner their boss. There were two reasons for the argument.


    First, the factory would shut downpletely from next month onwards, and they would have to wait for further notice about resuming work. This essentially meant the end of the factory, as the prospect of resuming work seemed non-existent. The federal sry system was based on working hours, meaning they earned money for the tasks theypleted. This system had always been reasonable, especially for hardworking individuals who received more in return for their efforts. If the factory shut down entirely, these workers would have no ie next month.


    Most ordinary families in the federation did not have a habit of actively saving money, and with the recent lowering of interest rates in the six major federal banks, the difference between keeping money in the bank and holding it in hand had be negligible. This further diminished the incentive to deposit money in banks.


    Money has a unique propertywhen one has it, an inexplicable desire to spend arises. The more money one has, the stronger the desire to consume. It could be buying an extravagant treat or indulging in a pack of high-quality cigarettes one hadn''t tried before. Without savings, life depended entirely on sries. If sries were gone, many households would immediately face the terrifying prospect ofing to a halt.


    Another frightening aspect was the expiration of various installment products, including houses and cars. This would be an overwhelming burden in people''s lives.


    In the past few years, as the world stabilized after the chaos, the federation, previously staying out of wars, began rapid development. Many new things emerged, including new ways and concepts of consumption. Not only could houses and cars be purchased in installments, but even a television could be bought on installment ns, as long as one had a social security card and legal citizenship. Everyone enjoyed enormous benefits from the era, where money seemed abundant.


    Now, those unpaid installments became a noose around people''s necks, ready to tighten and snatch away lives at any moment.


    A few workers were arguing with the boss about the factory shutting down. They demanded that the factory must resume operations next month for at least ten days, which was their final insistence. Working for a day and resting for two was the only way to ensure their livelihoods.


    However, the boss remained stern, constantly shaking his head. He couldn''t ept such demands. Business was tough now, and the markets in and around Sabin City, even within the state, were saturated. Products were difficult to sell in bulk like before, and the slow return of funds mainly went towards warehouse fees and sry.


    Continuing operations would only lead to bankruptcy. The only option now was aplete shutdown, finding a way for the products, or identifying and solving the problem before resuming operations.


    Workers felt lost, and so did the factory owner. The products had clearly been selling well, but within a short span of one or two years, they suddenly became unseble. In the past, numerous people would drive trucks, rushing to load goods outside the warehouse. However, nowadays, some individuals were even calling the factory, inquiring about the possibility of returning goods, even if it meant getting only thirty percent of their money back!


    Apart from the shutdown issue, there was another problemthe payment method for this month''s sry.


    "The factory''s ount doesn''t have much money left to pay all of you, so I thought maybe we could use a different method to issue your sries," the boss exined.


    The discussion about the shutdown had stopped, and the workers decided to let the union handle it. At this moment, their faces were icy cold as they stared at the factory owner, devoid of the past friendliness. Not only was there a wall between them, but they had also be adversaries to each other.


    The boss''s eyelids twitched, and he rubbed his eyes. His voice was dry and hoarse as he continued, "I don''t know how to say this." He nced around the surrounding workers and sighed, "You''re already aware of the factory''s current situation. I can''te up with the money anymore."


    Before he could finish, the workers nearest to him erupted in an uproar. Themotion quickly spread, engulfing the entire factory in noise. Eventually, even the boss suppressed unnecessary emotions and looked coldly at the workers arguing and making a scene.


    After a while, the noise subsided. Unable to achieve any response or resolution, the workers quieted down.


    At this moment, a faint sneer appeared on the factory owner''s face, directed not only at these workers but also at himself. However, he quickly restrained it.


    "I willpensate you by providing the products we manufactured, with the sry being determined based on the standard cost of production for those items."


    "You can refuse to ept it, or you can go to the union or the court to sue me. I can simply apply for bankruptcy protection, and then we can all go down together!"


    "If you''re willing to ept, go to the warehouse and collect your ''sries''!" After saying this, he turned and walked back into the finance office. Shortly afterward, an ountant and a few members of the management team came out to calm the emotions.


    Anderson, like a puppet, stood in the crowd, swept along by the current. His mind was filled with buzzing and ringing noises. At this moment, he felt like the sky was copsing.


    In reality, he had nothing to worry about because he would soon adapt.


    Some workers started to protest, while others silently went to collect the unsold products. At least these items were something, and anything was better than nothing.


    Outside the warehouse, Anderson numbly took out a pen and signed his name in the sry book. Then, he stared at threerge boxes of household appliances, his mind buzzing.


    What should he do in the days toe?


    Anderson, with three boxes on his back, had just stepped out of the factory gate when a gust of wind picked up. Out of nowhere, something drifted along with the breeze, briefly covering his face.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 66:

    Chapter 66:


    "Have you received your sry?" A slightly anxious face appeared as soon as Anderson opened the door with his key. Facing his wife''s gaze, he nced down at the floor guiltily, then turned and brought the boxes ced outside the door inside. In a somewhat grumbling tone, he impatiently replied, "No."


    "No?" Mrs. Anderson''s once well-maintained skin showed signs of aging  wrinkles on her forehead, around her eyes, and mouth. Disappointment filled her face as she sped her hands unconsciously. "What are we going to do this month?"


    With bills about to arrive, failure to pay wouldbel them as high-risk. If they failed to pay again without clearing the current debt, investigations by banks or businesses wouldmence. Once investigators deemed them incapable of repayment, items purchased through installments, even their house, could be auctioned to settle the debt.


    What was even more frightening was that once one initiated an investigation, allpanies with installment payment agreements would start investigations. This was enough to directly destroy a family!


    In recent months, there had been several instances urring in their vicinity. Neighbors had to sell their houses and move to even poorer and more dangerousmunities.


    Filled with criminals, prostitutes, and other undesirables, those ces were like hell, but of course, for some people, they were also paradises.


    Having brought three boxes into the house, Anderson sat on the sofa. His wife circled the boxes, questioning, "What''s inside?"


    Facing his wife''s inquiries, Anderson''s head was throbbing. "Items the factory provided to offset wages. Maybe check with the neighbors if they need anything. It''s a better option than staying here and giving me a headache, don''t you think?"


    After a momentary gaze, Mrs. Anderson didn''t leave the room. Instead, she silently started cleaning, holding a cloth and wiping everything.


    Before Anderson returned, she had already thoroughly cleaned the house. For most full-time housewives, apart from tending to children and husbands, their options were limited  watching TV, chatting with neighbors, cleaning, and asionally having affairs.


    Whenever Mrs. Anderson reached a critical emotional point, she would immerse herself in housework, silently disconnecting from the world until her emotions normalized.


    Sitting on the sofa, Anderson, observing his wife entering that familiar state, felt his headache intensify. Looking at this seemingly indifferent woman, he believed himself to be the silent victim of emotional abuse.


    He didn''t particrly like Mrs. Anderson. Their marriage was a matter of convenience, driven by the necessities of life. This was the tragedy of ordinary people; reality never yields to ideals.


    For the affluent and privileged ss, it was precisely in their domain that the soil conducive to ideals and romance could be found.


    Anderson, his head throbbing, left home to take a stroll and contemte next month''s n.


    Not long after leaving home, a young man with a smile handed him a promotional pamphlet.


    Normally, Anderson would turn such materials into paper nes or crumple them into trash bins. Yet, in his current state of frustration, he turned his attention to the pamphlet.


    "Gettnau, pay on delivery!""Your friend can give you thirty to fifty bucks!""Your rtives can give you three to five hundred bucks!""Only we can offer you three to five thousand, or even more!""Gettnau, Quick, Swift, and Instant!"


    It was a financialpany''s pamphlet. Anderson, on the verge of discarding it, paused. Perhaps these people could solve his troubles.


    Soon, carrying three boxes, Anderson arrived at the address on the pamphlet, located on the outskirts of Sabin City''s downtown area. It was different from other financialpanies nearly on the city''s fringe, providing a strange psychological approval.


    Many people were present, giving him an unprecedented atmosphere, even more so than the social developments a few years ago.


    Despite people being poor and the economy being underdeveloped in the past, everyone had led fulfilling lives. Unlike now, at least in the past, many people didn''t have to worry about the possibility of losing their jobs.


    Observing rows of negotiation tables and piles of various coteral, he sighed deeply.


    "Pay attention to the market dynamics in the entire city and surrounding areas. We can not be overly rigid..." Lin Qi was currently discussing valuation with Mr. Fox, his son, and two others. Valuation wasn''t a simple task; it was aplex job.


    The agreements Lin Qi had presented to the bank were valued at over three million, but Mr. Fox''s estimate neared four million. This meant Mr. Fox''s excess could potentially be a huge risk; although such risks didn''t really exist.


    However, using this incorrect method could cause many problems. For instance, loans based on agreements would decrease, and to make more money, Lin Qi needed them to understand how to value correctly.


    "Sabin City doesn''t have a specific consultingpany, so you have to do these things yourself. Of course, if you can''t but are willing to pay, I can help you," Lin Qi said with a smile, always ready to disy his most dazzling smile when encountering generous clients.


    "We need to understand which items are slow-moving, which are easy to sell, which items are suitable for lowering prices, and which are suitable for raising prices. This is a profound area of knowledge."


    Looking around, Lin Qi suddenly pointed in Anderson''s direction. The gazes of the four people followed Lin Qi''s indication. "Look at that person... He brought three identical things at once, and they look new."


    "I bet these things are either stolen or someone else handed them over to him as coteral. So, when bargaining, we should not hesitate to drive a hard bargain and secure the best deal possible."


    "As for determining the price of these things..." Lin Qi took out a piece of paper with over ten phone numbers. "These are the contacts of the top distributors in Sabin City. Anything legally purchasable in Sabin City, they can find the price for you."


    "Call them and inquire; you can even ask about recent sales. Then, offer these people a lower price."


    "This way, you can get the most significant agreement value with the least money, while I can raise more funds for you."


    Mr. Fox''s eyes gleamed in excitement. He felt that offering Lin Qi the opportunity to speak was the most outstanding decision he had made in his lifetime. When they first met, he thought Lin Qi was sent to cause trouble by someone. But still, he generously allowed Lin Qi to speak, leading to their subsequent cooperation and the groundbreaking changes in Gettnau Financial.


    Thepany''s transformation was significant and swift. Previously, Mr. Fox contemted bringing Lin Qi on as a partner, but now he had second thoughts.


    In these past few days, he''d been crunching the numbers. If they managed to recover all the principal and interest, along with the automatically surrendered coteral, his wealth could skyrocket to a whopping ten million in just two to three months!


    Previously, his two-hundred-thousand wealth took nearly half his lifetime to umte; now, it would only take him just a few months.


    He wouldn''t share such arge sum of money with Lin Qi. Offering him a service fee was already generous enough. After all, that alone was probably around one to two million.


    Young people should learn to be content, and Lin Qi had done this quite well.


    As Mr. Fox''s satisfaction with Lin Qi grew, he cast a final nce at his son. "Learn more from our friend, Lin Qi. Don''t spend all your time fooling around with women, understand?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 67:

    Chapter 67:


    "Sir, this house was only built three years ago. It''s still considered new. If it weren''t for the fact that the seller urgently needs money...," a client manager from a real estatepany pursed her lips, revealing a smile everyone would understand what it meant. "It might not even make it to our sales list."


    That was how this era waseveryone felt they deserve respect and recognition. Behind every demandy a vast market. Whether it was a bank, a real estatepany, or any other service industry, as long as they were in business, they were managers.


    Client managers were the mostmon, followed by after-sales managers. Many people may not have thought about what it was like when they called these managers or when these managers called them.


    But people enjoyed it. Having a manager provide specialized service was always a brag-worthy experience.


    The house in front of Lin Qi was in a newly developed middle-ssmunity, and it had only been standing for two years and ten months. It featured independent front and back yards, with a moderately sized pool in the backyard.


    The main building had three floors above ground and one below, covering an area of two hundred and twenty square meters, excluding the yard.


    With some money in handalmost two hundred thousandbinedLin Qi, who was scorned by Katherine''s parents for being unemployed just a month ago and subsequently broke up with his girlfriend, now earned more money than some people could in a lifetime.


    Fate is interesting, but more so is individual capability. Not everyone possessed such abilitiesonly Lin Qi did.


    Living above the small bar was no longer suitable after having some money. He needed a house to conceal certain private matters, so he chose this ce.


    The residents of the newly developed middle-ssmunity had not yet learned to be indifferent. About half of the residents in themunity here were newly promoted middle-ss families. What they urgently needed now was a more abundant socialwork.


    Community socializing was an excellent way to make friends. People were eager to get to know everyone in themunity and consider whether these people could be useful to them.


    A few yearster, they would lose this enthusiasm because most neighbors had no financial rtionship with their livesaside from saying good morning in the morning, good day at noon, and good night in the evening. There wouldn''t be any further interaction.


    But for now, everyone was active. Activeness implied enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility. When Lin Qi needed help, these foolish well-intentioned people would eagerly assist him and spread certain things to help Lin Qi.


    "Open the door, I want to take a look inside...," Under the stairs, the rounded top of the handrail felt pleasantly smooth to the touch. Lin Qi nced back at the client manager and made his request.


    The client manager''s expression changed slightly, but she immediately put on a smile, swaying her hips as she walked up the steps.


    Summer was hot, and everyone would wish they didn''t have to wear clothes. After all, the feeling of clothes being soaked with sweat was truly ufortable!


    After opening the door, the client manager invited Lin Qi inside. The design of this house was quite good. The previous owner must have hired a good designer for their family.


    Practical, beautiful, trendy, simple yet elegant, well-lit, and well-ventted. There was no sign of the musty smell one would find in a house left unused for a while.


    Most things in the room had been moved out, leaving itpletely empty. Lin Qi checked every room, even went to the basement, and was very satisfied.


    It didn''t seem like the typical work of designers who often prioritized increasing room numbers to amodaterger families, opting forpact designs in each room for practicality.


    The former wealthy owner of this house ensured that each room in the house had ample space. Living here wouldn''t give people a sense of being restrained or tightly bound, something Lin Qi appreciated.


    "How much?" Back on the ground floor, Lin Qi looked at the client manager, who struggled to conceal her surprise.


    The situation in big cities may not be clear to everyone, but in the city of Sabin, economic and social problems had be increasingly apparent. Unemployment was rising, and jobs were bing scarce.


    A few years ago, investors wouldn''t care about the cost ofnd, design fees, orbor. At that time, every client manager could easily make a fortune.


    But now, it was challenging. To close a deal, they not only had to invite clients to meals and shopping but also some entertainment activities. There may even be some undisclosed content.


    In this industry, and in various locations, there had already been instances of unscrupulous individuals exploiting the pretext of home purchases to deceive others for financial and personal gain. This had turned what was once an admired profession into a high-risk endeavor.


    Some people had started criticizing these real estate client managers, iming theycked integrity and had questionable ethics. However, if it was not for the sake of survival, who would willinglypromise their own dignity?


    The girl discreetly pulled up her already very short skirt, adjusted her clothes, and tugged at the hem. "Forty-eight thousand, sir, it''s definitely worth that price."


    The bottom line given to her by the real estatepany was forty-two thousand, and a considerable portion of the excess would be hermission. Besides, the price she quoted wasn''t considered high.


    A non-self-built house, from acquisition to upancy, would entail additional expenses for design and basic decoration.


    For a fifty-thousand-bucks house, a design fee of three to five thousand was normal. Perhaps those living in impoverished neighborhoods might find this unreasonable, but the middle ss didn''t see it as an issue.


    Using half the price of the house for design and decoration had be a standard and even a mindset for them.


    Lin Qi shook his head, "Too expensive. Forty thousand, and I can pay now..." He took out a check and a pen from his pocket.


    The client manager''s breath quickened. She raised her hand to smooth her hair, hiding some insignificant glimmer in her eyes. She lowered her voice and said flirtingly, "Sir, actually, there are some other things about this house that you might not be aware of. Would you like me to show you?"


    It was a very obvious hint, but Lin Qi had already explored every corner inside. If there was anything he didn''t know, it wasn''t rted to the house itself.


    The unknown secrets were like a ck hole, captivating the interest of most men, but Lin Qi was not among them.


    "I don''t need you to sleep with me. Five hundred, give me the lowest price. Or maybe negotiating with your supervisor would be simpler?"


    The girl rolled her eyes. She''d rather let Lin Qi have his way a bit, "Eight hundred, I need the money."


    "Deal."


    It was a vition, but nobody cared. Lin Qi did it to save time. After all, exploring unknown secrets also required time. The girl, on the other hand, maintained her dignity, even though she disclosed the lowest price.


    Shortly after, apanied by the girl, Lin Qi signed the property purchase contract. The real estatepany also breathed a sigh of relief; they were still willing to proceed despite the transaction price approaching their bottom line.


    For a real estatepany burdened with arge number of properties, these houses were bing a serious threat to their survival. Not to mention pressing them to ept their bottom line, they were even willing to reduce the price slightly just to get rid of the property.


    A portion of the real estatepany''s funds consisted of bank loans, and the rest came frommunity fundraising. With the slow economic growth, there was increased pressure due to financial shortfalls from various avenues. Opting to sell and cash out was a smarter move than waiting for a judgment while dealing with escting pressures.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 68:

    Chapter 68:


    During the days Lin Qi started renovating his new house, there were changes in Michael''s case.


    The first person who stepped forward wasn''t Lin Qi or Michael; it was his good partner, the deputy of the tax investigation team in Sabin City. They had been working together for twelve or thirteen years. Many saw him as Michael''s close brother, and they shared almost everything.


    Unexpectedly, this partner came forward and confessed some "details" not known to the media before. ording to him, the conflict between Michael and Lin Qi stemmed from an idental "encounter."


    "We were walking down the street when Lin Qi was pushing a cart filled with dirty clothes on the sidewalk. Michael pointed at Lin Qi and said to me, ''Hey, look at that guy, let''s mess with him.''"


    In front of the camera, the partner revealed a pained, regretful expression. "I thought he was joking, but he was clearly serious. He took me along, without any reason, search warrant, arrest warrant, or any legal documents, and attacked Mr. Lin Qi."


    "He told me to search the cart to find something to incriminate Mr. Lin Qi, while he took Mr. Lin Qi into a corner of the alley and assaulted him..."


    Reporters gasped, finding it hard to fathom the level of hatred that could lead an adult to be so brutal towards a young man.


    One reporter couldn''t resist standing up, "Sir, did Michael and Lin Qi know each other before this? Was there any animosity between them?"


    The partner shook his head, "They didn''t know each other. Whether there was animosity, I don''t know. Maybe Michael himself knows the reason." He then continued detailing Michael''s "violence," including threatening and beating a News Head until he spat blood.


    Such revtions highlighted Michael''s brutality and cruelty, leaning media and public opinion towards seeing him as a problematic investigator ustomed to using violence even against innocent civilians.


    Later, Director Johnson personally appeared, expressing regrets for his poor judgment. He had hoped Michael would change, inadvertently indulging Michael''s actions, and he acknowledged his responsibility for the situation.


    For a while, whether it was Michael''s friends, his partner, his subordinates, or those who knew him, all were subjected to media interviews. The results of these interviews were mostly consistent  Michael was found to have serious violent tendencies, and his temper was extremely quick and vtile.


    Even when interviewing Michael''s father, the reporters were chased away with a double-barreled shotgun, turning Michael''s family into a new focus  "How Violent Can an Individual Be?"


    The issue of whetherw enforcement powers were excessive shifted away from Michael''s case to scrutinizing Michael himself. Many questioned why his friends and colleagues didn''t warn him about his temper earlier, with some admitting they were afraid he''d beat them.


    The swift turn of public opinion pleased the Federal Tax Bureau; there were no more annoying calls from politicians shouting about putting power in cages. People were now condemning Michael, which was good.


    Less than a week after Lin Qi bought the house, Michael''s case went to trial.


    Lin Qi, as a primary and known victim, needed to be present as a witness; perhaps he could contribute.


    The trial didn''t follow an open hearing format due to the potential interference of numerous media outlets. Officially, it was to ensure the correctness of the trial''s oue.


    Thebined force of the Federal Bureau Of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau was enough to alert the Department of Justice. A day before, the Department of Justice issued a request for a closed trial to the Sabin City''s City Court.


    As it wasn''t a major criminal case, categorized as amon assault, there was no need for a juryonly the defendant, the defensewyer, and the judge.


    The courtroom was spacious, and Lin Qi, sitting in the gallery, observed Michael, who seemed to have hastily groomed himself, with a pale face and disheveled hair, looking worn out.


    The judge asked more than a dozen questions. Except for a few Michael refused to answer, he admitted to most and pleaded guilty.


    The court pronounced the verdict immediately, sentencing him to eighty-seven months, equivalent to seven years and three months.


    Considering Michael''s past as aw enforcement officer in Sabin City, where he had sent some people to prison himself, for his safety, he would serve his sentence in a more tightly regted state prison.


    Though Michael was somewhat surprised by the sentence, he didn''t appeal. The judge didn''t restrict his parole terms during the pronouncement, meaning his actual time behind bars might be less than seven years.


    ording to federalws, he could reduce his sentence through various means to below three years. Then, citing the "Special Talent Recruitment Act," the Federal Tax Bureau could "recruit" Michael, find a suitable ce for him, and he would regain his freedom.


    In reality, he might spend less than three years in prison, a result personally assured by Director Johnson, so Michael saw no need to appeal.


    Appealing could lead to a state court trial, potentially worsening the situation. Federal judges in sentencing were quite subjective. If they deemed Michael''s appeal as uncontroble aggression against the court and thew, it could increase the sentence and limit parole.


    With the trial concluded, the media quickly got the verdict, and within a day, the entire federal jurisdiction knew the result. People, after a brief period of collective justice, moved on to new topics.


    The storm subsided from public view, and it seemed like a happy ending for everyone.


    Director Johnson received praise from the state office, Michael''s partner was promoted to the head of the investigation team, and there were changes among the team members. Those behind the scenes were content toy low, and the public, having witnessed the drama, left satisfied.


    Everyone left contentedly, a rather ironic oue.


    "Mr. Lin Qi!"


    Just as Lin Qi escaped the persistent reporters, walking about a hundred meters, two kids with dirty baseball caps blocked his path. He recognized one, the boy who once exchanged ny-seven cents for a buck, a newsboy.


    Lin Qi casually put his hands in his pockets, feeling a pen inside. With a slight push of his fingers, he removed the cap. There was a story of someone saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword," while killing a guy. He wasn''t sure if he was that fierce, but it gave him a bit of confidence.


    He had watched these kids stab the News Head to death that night. The hidden fangs these kids possessed were more unsettling than their pitiful appearance.


    "How can I help you?" Lin Qi wore a smile; he always did, as if the weather was always good, and the sun was always shining brightly.


    The two boys exchanged nces, and one tapped his backpack. "Sir, I have a lot of change here. Do you need it?"


    After the death of the News Head, these kids had temporary liberty, but only temporarily because things quickly changed.


    They needed to send the money earned by the kids to their families or the orphanage for employing them on time and manage some connections in society.


    While they could take the wages meant for the orphanage and their families themselves, they were powerless regarding social connections. This left them without newspapers as the news agency refused to wholesale newspapers to underage individuals.


    Simultaneously, the scrap collection station presented problems. They constantly lowered prices. Initially, they could earn twenty or thirty bucks or even more daily from selling scrap; now, they barely got a few bucks, and if they argued, the station would refuse to buy from them. This caused panic among the kids, and if they couldn''t resolve their current predicament, their guardians would soon send them elsewhere. Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 69:

    Chapter 69:


    The newsboys who intercepted Lin Qi only realized after eliminating the News Head that the days of hardship wouldn''t change simply because an oppressor and exploiter disappeared.


    Many people often describe the pain of life as having a stone over their heads, and they believe that removing the stone will make life better. Some even deliberately, with a seductive tone, tell others that those who pay their wages are the ones exploiting them, the ones providing them with the means to support their families.


    Perhaps it is true to some extent, but not entirely.


    With the News Head gone, the children''s situation didn''t improve because the News Head was not the true oppressor; it was the profit-centric society they lived in. In fact, the News Head''s disappearance might have made things a bit more difficult for these children. Without the News Head''s social connections and his intimidating presence to outsiders, the children couldn''t enjoy the resources that the News Head could easily ess.


    They couldn''t buy newspapers in this era where print media still dominated major media channels. The newspapers were selling well, and the absence of the News Head created a market vacuum. After the News Head''s disappearance, other News Heads wanted to im that share. In their ignorance of the tangled web of interests, newspapers were sold to other News Heads.


    Unfamiliar newsboys also appeared in their vicinity, snatching rewards from others'' pockets with freshly printed newspapers exuding a strong ink aroma. They took away the rewards that should have belonged to the local children.


    Not only that, but the scrap collection station, having a good rtionship with the News Head, began ruthlessly lowering scrap prices to maximize their profits. The children couldn''t resist, and these adults could enjoy the money extracted from them without any worries.


    The children always thought the News Head was the source of their nightmares, but at this moment, they realized how shallow their understanding of society was. The money left by the News Head was enough for them to sustain themselves for a while, but if they couldn''t find new sources of ie, this money would quickly run out.


    Some older children believed they couldn''t continue like this. If they couldn''t provide money for their parents or the orphanage, they would be taken away, scattered, and sent to another ce to continue enduring oppression and exploitation. So, they had to stand up, they needed ie. They had already resisted their fate and overturned one stone; now, they had to keep going, hoping to one day dispel the thick clouds and see the blue sky.


    They found Lin Qi; perhaps it was the simplest solution they could think of at the moment. Lin Qi looked at the two children and shook his head slightly, "I''m sorry, but I''m no longer involved in that kind of business."


    With the closure of numerous financialpanies andundries, more people realized that coins might have been tampered with, and the coin exchange business, just reaching its peak, plummeted. Also, with the introduction ofrge cash withdrawal proofs by the banks, Mr. Fox no longer needed to make his money look more legal using such outdated methods.


    Although the two children tried to appear nonchnt, their faces couldn''t hide their disappointment. The older one couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Lin Qi, you are a good person. Is there any work we can do? We can ept less pay than regr workers, just enough for food and some pocket money; we don''t have many requirements."


    Reality is ironic like that. They moved one stone to realize the harsh reality and now were searching for another seemingly suitable stone to press down on themselves.


    Lin Qi''s mouth formed a slight smile. Whenever he smiled, it was his kindest moment. His smile transcended race, gender, age, education level, and understanding ability. It had an affinity that could alleviate restless emotions and act as a bridge between strangers.


    "I do have some work that needs to be done, but..." His smile became even more benevolent. "...I know your boss, the News Head. If you need a job, have hime and talk to me. It would be better that way. I know you work for him, and if we go behind his back to discuss these things, he might not be pleased with you. I don''t want to see anyone get hurt in this matter."


    Kind-hearted Lin Qi was indeed a generous person. The negative opinions about him were merely due to ack of understanding. His serious expression made the older child''s expression somewhat stiff.


    Everyone knew, including Lin Qi, that the News Head was already dead. He was killed by a few older children on the road outside the city that night. Yet, here he was, emphasizing something he clearly knew. His purpose was simple: to make these children realize that before they could interact with adults on an equal footing, they needed a bridge.


    The News Head used to be that bridge, but now that he was gone, they needed to find a recement unless they could take on that role themselves or sacrifice something.


    The younger children didn''t realize what was happening yet. Even though he seemed mature enough for most people, in the eyes of many, he was still a child. A child whose mind had been prematurely matured could never match the thinking and summarizing abilities of a mentally agile and thoughtful adult. Therefore, this child said something he shouldn''t have said.


    "The News Head? He''s no longer here."


    The older child''s face instantly turned into shock and fear. He pulled the younger child away, bowed to Lin Qi while holding his hat, and said, "Mr. Lin Qi, we''ve taken up enough of your precious time. I''m sorry..."


    As the younger one also realised that he had misspoken at this point, they wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    The death of the News Head was known only to a few older children, not even the kids in the dormitory were aware. It was a secret, one belonging exclusively to these older children! While the federal government indeed hadws protecting minors, thesews focused on innocent, normal, and ordinary minors'' legal rights.


    For minors involved in criminal activities, especially thosemitting heinous crimes like murder, the legal system would not advocate for their protection. There may even be more considerations in sentencing.


    A lenient sentence could instill in these children a misguided belief that taking someone''s life would not have serious consequences. On the other hand, a harsh sentence might lead to resentment and a distorted psychology of hating society as a whole.


    Thus, the incarceration of juvenile offenders was often aplex process that required the involvement of psychologists. It was more than just imprisonment; it was a... process.


    People frequentlyuded juvenile offenders who, in a robotic fashion, provided the anticipated responses that society desired. This sentiment often coincided with the prevailing notion that, once again, the formidable federal government proimed sess in its ongoing humanitarian campaign.


    Just as the two children were about to leave, Lin Qi grabbed them. "No longer here?" He raised an eyebrow. "Did he run away? Michael has already been sentenced; he shouldn''t have run."


    This unexpected turn of events left the two children stunned. Lin Qi even provided them with a way to cover up their mistake and an excuse. The children who knew the secret but thought Lin Qi was unaware suddenly had a new thought  the man in front of him was not only kind, but also stupid.


    However, it didn''t prevent him from using this excuse. The younger child who realized his mistake remained silent, and the older child nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Lin Qi, our boss has skipped town..."


    Skipping town was street ng, fitting the environment these children were exposed to. Lin Qi nodded in satisfaction. "It seems like your days aren''t going well right now."


    The older child nodded repeatedly. "Yes, sir, our days are tough!"


    Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 70:

    Chapter 70:


    The two children who were sitting at a roadside open-air caf for the first time seemed a bit uneasy. Before sitting down, they repeatedly patted their clothes to ensure they wouldn''t dirty the chairs.


    Lin Qi did not stop them; he just watched quietly. A person''s reverence for the world wouldn''t disappear in an instant. If someone could lose reverence for everything in a moment, that person would soon perish.


    Those arrogant individuals who didn''t understand reverence wouldn''t live long. They would either get destroyed by others or by themselves.


    Watching them sit down carefully, slightly lowering their heads, Lin Qi could tell that there was still some reverence in their hearts. Even though they did things that many adults wouldn''t dare dolike taking a life.


    After the waiter brought three cups of coffee along with three thin pancakes and sincerely wished them a perfect afternoon tea, Lin Qi began discussing the job he could offer them.


    "Recently, I''ve established an auction house, and currently, I don''t have many people working for me. In the uing days, I''ll have a lot of work to do, and I can''t confine myself therepletely. So I need some people to work for me."


    The two children, exchanging nces, immediately straightened their backs. Lin Qi nodded nonchntly while holding a tray in one hand and sipping coffee from a cup in the other.


    "For the first task, I need someone to inquire about various goods in all the trade markets of Sabin City every day, including the daily prices of raw materials. It''s a simple but meticulous job, requiring someone who can speak, recognize some characters, and write a bit."


    Mr. Fox had not yet realized the trouble the pledge loan agreement representing his finances would bring him. Various misceneous items would soon fill his warehouse, unlike items such as gold and jewelry that could be easily sold.


    If someone truly had those valuable items, they wouldn''t bring them to Mr. Fox; instead, they''d directly sell them to ces like antique shops, often known as pawn shops.


    The items that ended up with Mr. Fox were essentially things that were difficult to dispose of immediately, things closely rted to life.


    Unable to get rid of them in the short term and unwilling to discard them, these items would also consume a considerable amount of energy and effort. Lin Qi would then buy these items at a discounted price based on the pledge agreement''s value, making a profit twice, and possibly more on the second transaction. However, this wasn''t crucial because these transactions were not directly linked. Sometimes Mr. Fox even voluntarily asked Lin Qi to handle them.


    Market prices would fluctuate, and budgeting for the sale of each item would be crucial. Lin Qi could sense the impending storm as the economic contraction led ordinary people to reconsider their consumption habits. People began trying to reduce unnecessary expenses by purchasing second-hand goods, making pricing a skill to master.


    As for raw materials, there were sometimes confusing behaviors in the market, such as a product''s price dropping below the cost of its raw materials, amon urrence in the second-hand car trade.


    Sometimes an old car could only be sold for a couple of bucks, but disassembling it into raw materials or even some parts could yield a higher price.


    In the past, people might have avoided this method due to highbor costs, but with the economic downturn approaching, manualbor would be less valuable, and people would scramble for jobs they once looked down upon.


    For capitalists with preparation and foresight, this would be a feast. After all, in past operations,bor costs were the most significant part of overall costs!


    The two children nodded vigorously. The younger one, who seemed to have asked to refrain from speaking, remained silent. The older child, always the one speaking, said, "Mr. Lin Qi, we can read and write, and we''re diligent and fast."


    Lin Qi nodded. "For the second task, I need some people with goodmunication skills, looking a bit cute. We''ll have some products that need door-to-door sales."


    Kindness and benevolence often arose when people achieved financial freedom and began pursuing spiritual needs. Someone who could barely afford pants wouldn''t think about "helping others today" or "how to make myself happy by helping others." They would just want to earn money and fill their stomachs.


    Only those who were well-fed and had nothing to do tended to want to prove their superiority through their past efforts. Sometimes, charity simply act as a demonstration of superiority.


    Using a small amount of money for meager thanks, even making someone kneel in gratitude, provides an inner satisfaction, a feeling of transcending the soul, rising from the soles of the feet. This would easily satisfy the group that often belongs to the middle ss, an interesting bunch.


    For those who had truly reached the upper echelons of society, people were already ustomed to various life experiences, and charity,pared to spiritual pursuits, seemed more like a disguise for their own ugliness.


    Knocking on the doors of the middle ss with poor children was an effective method. This group, striving for progress and taking on more responsibility in social change, was willing to foot the bill for the children.


    It was a good businesssaving some people, satisfying others, and, most importantly, allowing Lin Qi to make money.


    "Perhaps I''ll have other jobs for you in the future. It depends on how well I develop here." Lin Qi took out a checkbook from his pocket, signed a cash check for two hundred bucks, and ced it on the table.


    "Go buy some decent clothes for yourselves, make yourselves look...," he gestured with his hand, "neat. Thene to the warehouse area tomorrow."


    With that, he finished the thin pancakes and drank the coffee in a few gulps, stood up, and the two children nervously followed suit.


    "I think we have finished our discussion." Lin Qi said.


    "Yes, Mr. Lin Qi." The older child, head lowered, appeared meek.


    Very Good. Lin Qi thought to himself and then said, "Enjoy your afternoon tea, then. See you tomorrow, kids."


    "See you tomorrow, Mr. Lin Qi!"


    After Lin Qi left, the two children were extremely excited. They finished the coffee, their faces contorted from its bitterness.


    "Yuk, why do adults like this stuff?" The younger child shivered like after urinating.


    He looked at the residue in the cup with lingering fear and couldn''t help saying, "I still prefer sweeter fruit juice."


    The older child also had a bitter expression. But he scolded in a low voice, "Shut up," then wrapped the two pancakes in paper and put them back in the bag. They were to be shared with everyone when they returnedthey had be a unit, and they should share everything together.


    If it weren''t for the coffee being impossible to take with them, they wouldn''t have drunk it all.


    Before leaving, the two children didn''t forget to wipe the chairs that hadn''t actually been dirtied with their sleevescautious, and careful, it was a poignant sight.


    But that was the world they lived in there were people who entered prestigious and extravagant ces, casually spraying vulgar and obscenenguage, while they lurked above, parasitically feeding on the federation and even the entire societal structure.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 71:

    Chapter 71:


    Around a small round table, five well-dressed gentlemen were engrossed in ying poker. Gambling was always an effective way to quickly build rtionships. When Lin Qi, who had recently just moved into themunity, expressed his desire to organize a small friendship card game during amunity event, it quickly caught the attention of some people.


    Due to Lin Qi''s frequent appearances in newspapers recently, and even sessfully outsmarted the leader of the Sabin City Tax Bureau investigation team, some individuals may unconsciously shy away from getting overly close to him. However, there were also those who were eager to establish a closer connection with him. The Tax Bureau was the enemy of every high-ie group, and the ability to outmaneuver the Tax Bureau brought joy to those who brainstormed ways to evade taxes every month.


    Moreover, moving into thismunity meant that Lin Qi, at least economically, had the ability to have equal conversations with them. Therefore, they didn''t mind expanding their social connections.


    In this environment and atmosphere, the first gathering for the card game and friendship went smoothly. This was a gamey different from any Lin Qi knew in another world. It involved five yers, each with ten cards. The rules were simple, with the core being card exchange, followed by aparison of hands after the exchange.


    Before the game started, each person had to choose an ending card type for themselves. After the final hand was formed, it had to meet the requirements of the chosen card type. Then, based on the values of everyone''s card types, scores and deductions were made.


    Apart from the "cards" used for exchanges, there were also points used in the game. Before the match, each person contributed two hundred bucks. One hundred bucks became their base score, and the other hundred bucks became the public points in the pool, totaling five hundred points.


    After the game, each person could receive an amount of money equal to the points in their hand. This gamey was immensely popr worldwide. Many believed it embodied the core foundations of business trade. Every card game was an intense trade war, with each person representing apany, a business association, or even a conglomerate. The point pool represented the bank.


    Winning was not as simple as winning as much as possible because point transactions often urred during the card exchange process. It was a genuine gamble; sometimes, the person winning all along ended up losing money in the end, and the one consistently losing might still have won some money.


    This gamey was called "PAY()" a word with many meanings. It could be seen as the "payment" at the core of the game or as the "demand" after victory. Its charm was irresistible, captivating the world.


    Not far from these gentlemen, severaldies sat on rattan chairs near the floor-to-ceiling windows, sipping exquisite tea and engaging in lively discussions. Of course, their topics always revolved around fashionable thingsfrom fashion shows and new seasons of jewelry design exhibitions to newly released movies and the movements of celebrities and politicians.


    Sometimes, men found it challenging to discover how knowledgeable and versatile their wives were when they sat together. They seemed to know everything when sitting with other women; it was quite different from the foolish ignorance exhibited when alone. Just as women sitting together would foster vanity andpetition, men sitting together would also discuss various matters, not just confined to the card table but extending beyond it.


    "In the first half of the year, the economic development index has dropped by eleven percentage pointspared tost year. The economic recession is quite evident. Until when do you think this will continuel?" spoke the gentleman sitting opposite Lin Qi. He wore a shirt with silver trim, and at this point, he casually rolled up his sleeves, revealing the thick body hair on his arms, creating a somewhat unusual impression.


    It was as if... there was an ape disguised as a human among them. He was a factory owner, and second-tier cities with lowbor costs and various expenses were the favorite gathering ces for factory owners. Opening a factory in a second-tier city could save a considerable amount on various expenses:nd usage fees, warehouse rental and management fees, and most importantly,bor costs.


    Another gentleman shook his head, "We all feel that the market is rapidly shrinking. Goods are not selling, profit margins are decreasing, but the financial market is still very prosperous. It is said that the Baylor Industrial Index() has set a new record."


    The other gentlemen, including Lin Qi, couldn''t help but burst intoughter. Theughter was filled with sarcasm. Perhaps they didn''t quite understand why there was such a mood or why they wereughing. They relied on their feelings, feeling that these things were not quite normal. The stagnation or even regression of economic development had not affected the performance of the financial market. Instead, it frequently created miracles, indicating that something was amiss.


    In fact, even before Lin Qi came to this world, economists had already expressed their opinions, believing that the Federation''s economy was about to suffer a severe blow. However, most people, caught in a brainwashed frenzy, ignored these views.


    Worldwide cessation of hostilities had ushered in a long-awaited era of peace, and the prevailing optimism was that the specter of war had finally receded. With conflict no longer dominating thendscape, attention had shifted towards economic development. There was a widespread belief that the global economy was poised for improvement rather than decline, marking a hopeful and promising phase for the future.


    Some economists timely put forward the unheard-of concept of the "peak rebound," sessfully bing the only cognition in the eyes of the public. They believed that the short-term downturn was just the society digesting economic results, and soon the economy would usher in another round of rapid development.


    People were willing to believe in favorable statements, even if deep down they knew that these statements might be incorrect. They forced themselves to believe that this was the right thing.


    The gentleman sitting on Lin Qi''s left casually ced a card on the table. It was now his turn to call, "One point, I need a 9 of Diamonds..." He picked up a solid-colored Colofu resting on the ashtray, took a slow drag, and exhaled, "If the financial market maintains this high momentum, it may continue for a long time."


    After saying this, another gentleman took out the 9 of Diamonds and threw it to him, taking his exchanged card and a chip representing one point. The game continued, and everyone was aware that the unexpected prosperity of the financial market meant that many people were benefiting. The financial market''s profitspensated for their losses, and there was even a surplus of money, leading to more funds flowing from the real economy into the financial market.


    The market of numbers was thriving even more due to the rapid influx of spective capital. Many business owners were scaling back their physical operations, investing money into the financial market to make money with money. This was much simpler and easier for them than waiting for returns on unsold goods.


    Almost all the gentlemen in this room had their stock and futures ounts. Besides socializing everywhere, they listened to stockbrokers or futures brokers conveying how much money they had earned each day.


    Although they kept making money, they were still worried. It was a phenomenon contrary tomon sense, but they didn''t know what to do. They could only silently adapt to the development of the times, being swept along by the torrent of the era toward an unknown future.


    "Oh, Lin Qi, can I address you like that?" After getting Lin Qi''s confirmation, the speaker continued, "What business are you in?"


    Lin Qi and another gentleman reached an agreement to exchange cards. As he tidied up his hand, he answered, "I have a servicepany and an auction house. If any of you have good business, feel free to approach me anytime."


    People were always curious about things they didn''t know. "An auction house? Is that industry profitable?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 72:

    Chapter 72:


    The gentlemen sitting around didn''t pay much attention to Lin Qi''s business. Auction houses that truly made money were those targeting the upper echelons of society. The benefits created by ten thousand ordinary people couldn''tpare to those generated by a single tycoon. Ordinary people would take a long time to consider purchases, and as soon as the price exceeded their affordability, they would decisively give up.


    However, tycoons were different. They only discussed whether they liked something or not, never considering the actual value of an auction item. For things they liked, most people imed there was no limit to their spending.


    The conversation quickly shifted from Lin Qi and others'' businesses back to the financial market. People exchanged reliable or unreliable insider information. In reality, most of the information they discussed was unreliable because genuinely reliable information wouldn''t circte widely. It was confined to a few individuals rather than being known by everyone far from the federal financial center.


    From another perspective, the information they spoke of was unverifiable to themselves, mostlying from their stockbrokers, and these brokers were not all trustworthy.


    A social card game concluded amidst the chatter. Lin Qi wasn''t very lucky; he lost around ten bucks, while others had varying wins and losses, but the amounts were not significant. This was a social gathering; the purpose wasn''t gambling but to get to know each other, gain some understanding, grasp each other''s political stance, business attitude, and judge whether they could be good friends.


    After the card game, two gentlemen approached Lin Qi. They warmly invited him to a small gathering they were hosting,prisingmunity residents and some friends from society.


    This was the core of middle-ssmunity culture. However, thismunity culture was gradually bing indifferent with the development of the times. After experiencing some social changes and epochal events, people began to refuse to share opportunities.


    It might not be the best of times, but it certainly wasn''t the worst.


    Watching people depart, Lin Qi made a phone call to themunity''s servicepany toe and clean up the aftermath.


    For the past few days, Lin Qi had been immersed in various social activities. He also started paying attention to the financial market. He observed that in the three social events he attended recently, the core of people''s conversations always revolved around how much money they made in the financial market.


    When everyone was making money, it meant the risks were growing, and disaster was imminent. The reason was simpleprofit couldn''t be created out of thin air; someone must incur losses. However, these losses might not ur immediately but rather with a rtive dy.


    One morning, while Lin Qi was watching politicians still boasting about the astonishing achievements of the federal economy on TV, the phone suddenly rang. Lin Qi lowered the TV volume and answered, "It''s me..."


    Sometimes seemingly unrted celebrity interviews and talk shows would reveal details people might overlook. For example, when a politician spoke about his achievements, he mentioned something that caught Lin Qi''s interest.


    "Lin Qi, my friend, it''s me, Fox. Can youe over? We need to talk."


    This call was a bitter than Lin Qi had imagined. He thought Fox would have encountered trouble earlier, but it wasn''t toote now. He agreed, did a quick tidy-up, and left.


    He was considering buying a better car. A luxury car could make him look more like a sessful person. He had encountered someone like that in a small cell before.


    That person didn''t have any money. He used the money from selling his house to rent a top-of-the-line luxury car, bought a new outfit, used some small tools to merge himself into a photo with certain leaders, and managed to deceive quite a bit of money. What was more interesting was that he turned himself in, and if he hadn''t, he would never have appeared in front of people again.


    People always would admonish themselves not to be shallow and judge others by appearances, but everyone tended to make the same mistakes.


    When Lin Qi arrived at Gettnau Financial Company, there were just as many people waiting as before. While the middle ss and the upper echelons were still discussing the dividends brought by financial investments, they failed to notice the enormous problems emerging at the bottom of society.


    After Lin Qi entered the office, Mr. Fox warmly weed him, "Do you have ns for lunch? If not, let''s have lunch together."


    Once Lin Qi settled in, Mr. Fox began talking about the challenging situation he found himself in. "We''ve always been good friends, and our cooperation has been pleasant. I won''t beat around the bush. I''ve run into a problem."


    Lin Qi nodded, "I''m listening..."


    "Well, as the agreements expire, some of the coteral''s rights have been transferred. You know, these things have be mine, but my trouble is that I can''t efficiently liquidate these assets."


    When Lin Qi proposed the n to let the borrowers abandon the coteral as his new high-interest-rate loan operation, Mr. Fox was quite pleased. It was a big deal, and he was sure to make a steady profit. However, he didn''t expect selling these assets would be so difficult.


    From a set of exquisite tableware to an unused oven, even if these items were brand new and priced at half of their original value, it was challenging to sell them now.


    Wealthy people didn''t want to use things that others had used. They had an inexplicable aversion, and the motivation behind this aversion was the fact that they still had some money.


    Those who didn''t have money couldn''t afford these things, and the people Mr. Fox dealt with were often those who pawned items for loans; they were even less likely to buy these things here.


    The items were hard to sell, took up too much space, and Mr. Fox had already rented over ten warehouses in the suburbs to store these items. It was truly a dire situation.


    What was more troublesome was that he still had to pay the bank interest. Even with negotiations between Lin Qi, and Joegleman, and some policies implemented by the federal government that slightly lowered the loan interest rates, Mr. Fox still had to pay interest.


    He could dy repaying the principal, but he couldn''t avoid paying the interest. The money in his hands was rapidly umting like a snowball. At least, ording to the mortgage loan agreement, he invested most of the money into a money-rolling business, leaving only a small amount for emergencies.


    If he were to terminate some agreements now, his losses would be significant, especially in thosepounding loan rtionships where he didn''t stand to earn much after paying the bank interest. Therefore, he was not very willing to terminate these agreements prematurely and could only turn to the "clever Lin Qi" to discuss the matter. He also believed that Lin Qi would surely have a solution.


    After hearing Mr. Fox''s request, Lin Qi shrugged, casually taking out a solid-colored Colofu from the iron box on his desk. "You can sell those coteral items; someone will need them."


    Mr. Fox remained silent. Behind him, Fox Junior continued, "We''ve considered this approach, but...," he shook his head, "the results are not good. Yesterday, we only sold less than twenty items, and they were all cheap little things. This path doesn''t seem feasible."


    Lin Qi leisurely cut the ends of the solid-colored Colofu. He opened the lighter, lit one end, and took a slow puff. After Exhaling, he said, "Mr. Fox, and Mr. Fox Junior, if you think these items are difficult to sell, it''s because you''re not professional enough."


    "I have a valuable piece of advice: ''Let professionals handle professional matters.'' You''re not professionals; you can''t do it, but others can."


    Mr. Fox''s eyes swiveled around before looking at Lin Qi. He paused for a few seconds and then said, "So who are the professionals, and how much do I need to pay?"


    Lin Qi smiled, shaking his head. He rested one of his legs on the other one, flicked the ash off the Colofu, and said, "If you don''t mind, Mr. Fox, we can talk about our future coboration."


    Mr. Fox couldn''t help but chuckle, "Why do I have a feeling that I''ve been tricked? Is this feeling normal?"


    Lin Qi answered cleverly, "People feel this unreal sensation when facing happiness. They don''t believe happiness cane so easily. It suits your current situation very well."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 73:

    Chapter 73:


    The two walked through the warehouse area, where goods were piled up like mountains. Mr. Fox, looking at the vast array of things, felt both happy and somewhat troubled.


    These items couldn''t be stacked together. They didn''t have uniform specifications. If they were to be stacked, supports had to be built first  frames for each item to ensure they wouldn''t be crushed under the weight.


    This would require a considerable amount of money, along with variousbor and mechanical costs. After stacking them together, retrieving one item would also be a massive undertaking.


    In the end, they could only beid out t in the vast warehouse space. At most, some smaller items could be ced on top of things that could withstand the pressure.


    From tables and chairs to various artworks, oil paintings, and many other things, the warehouse contained almost everything a person might need in a lifetime. Lin Qi even saw a set of silver tableware with ivory handles, delicately arranged in arge box, giving a very pleasing aesthetic.


    Perhaps noticing Lin Qi''s gaze, Mr. Fox smiled and said, "This was brought in by an old woman. She said it was a gift from her son when she retired. However, this year, her son''s business ran into some trouble, and he urgently needed money, so..."


    Lin Qi nodded, not because he could understand, but because he knew that everyone that appeared here was in desperate need of money. Regardless of their reasons, their purpose ining here was the same.


    "I gave her 1,700 bucks for this set. If you like it, you can take it home," he added, sensing that Lin Qi seemed to be quite interested. Since it was just a couple of thousand bucks worth of items, he was generously offering a rare act of kindness.


    Lin Qi shook his head. "You''re offering a bit too high. Ivory isn''t valuable, and silver isn''t either. Combining two not-so-valuable things won''t suddenly make them valuable."


    In this world, thend area was broader, and many untouched areas remained unharmed by human and technological destruction, preserving the naturalndscapes. Ivory, strictly prohibited in another world, might be amon material of medium to high quality here, not considered rare.


    Mr. Fox was a bit puzzled. He had seen simr ivory and silver tableware in some shops, priced at two or three thousand, even five thousand. He felt that offering over a thousand for this set was already a bit devoid of conscience, but unexpectedly, Lin Qi still thought it was too much.


    "That old woman must have gone to an antique shop beforeing here," Lin Qimented, lifting his foot to continue walking. As he walked, he spoke, "Mr. Fox, I don''t know if you have other views on your work, but I believe that work is work, and personal sentiments are private matters. They shouldn''t be mixed."


    "Sympathy and pity for others is your right, but we can''t turn such sympathy andpassion into economic value in our business. It will cause trouble for many people."


    Many leaders, when they initially rose to power, were not mature enough. They would exhibit some childishness, unable to distinguish what could be openly expressed and what couldn''t.


    For Mr. Fox, he might only have pitied an old woman, overvaluing the pledged item she brought in. However, this pledge agreement might not get approval from the bank, blocking a loan of around a thousand bucks for Lin Qi, affecting his ie of approximately one hundred fifty to two hundred bucks.


    Rolling this money up, the losses would be even greater. Mr. Fox himself would also lose a significant amount, all triggered by an overflow of sympathy.


    "Mr. Fox Junior seems to have a different opinion," Lin Qi noted the indifferent expression on Mr. Fox''s son''s face and casually asked.


    Mr. Fox looked at his son, and Mr. Fox Junior pursed his lips. "We sympathized and helped an old woman. I don''t feel ashamed; on the contrary, I''m proud."


    Mr. Fox''s eyes lit up slightly, nodding in satisfaction. In many cases, people like him, navigating the gray areas, had a peculiar mindset. They hoped their children would be stronger, ruthless, without any weaknesses, and fearless in the face of challenges. Yet, at the same time, they wanted their children to be kind, friendly, like angels.


    Perhaps this was theplexity of human nature. Facing his son''s words, Mr. Fox was satisfied and turned to Lin Qi. Not a provocation, he was just curious about how Lin Qi would respond.


    Lin Qi smiled, "I respect your attitude toward the world, but first, we need to understand if this world is truly as we see it."


    "First, a family that can afford such tableware won''t be in trouble that can be solved by pledging a set of ivory and silver tableware. If one or two thousand bucks could solve their problems, they wouldn''t need to approach a financialpany."


    This statement caught Mr. Fox and his son off guard. They had overlooked this small detail. A family able to afford several thousand bucks for tableware wouldn''t be in a situation where they could only ovee difficulties by pledging something worth a thousand or two.


    This was simr to the cooperation between Mr. Fox and Lin Qi. The reason why Mr. Fox was initially skeptical of their coboration was because Lin Qi couldn''t bring out money  they knew Lin Qi had around a hundred thousand bucks, but this amount was meaningless to Mr. Fox.


    Once Lin Qi pointed this out, the expressions of the two men changed.


    Lin Qi continued, holding up two fingers, "Second, it seems you haven''t had someonee to verify its authenticity." Mr. Fox and Mr. Fox Junior suddenly felt embarrassed and couldn''t find words to respond, ultimately nodding in agreement.


    They had been extremely busy recently, with no time to deal with these matters. Moreover, for a father and son whose assets were constantly expanding, even if the item turned out to be fake, the loss wouldn''t be significant  it might not even be considered a loss.


    At least, from helping the old woman, they gained a kind of spiritual satisfaction. Their character and soul were elevated, and even if the money wasn''t recovered and the item was fake, it didn''t matter.


    The problem was when Lin Qi exposed it, it generated an immediate sensation akin to a child who, having thought they did a good deed, actually triggered undesirable consequences, leading to a profound sense of being at a loss.


    However, they were adults; so they could only feel embarrassed.


    Lin Qi continued, "A pitiful old woman, a pledged item whose authenticity we don''t even know, and a story full of ws," a touch of mockery appeared on his face, and his gaze turned to Mr. Fox Junior, "Do you still feel proud of what you''ve done?"


    There was a brief silence between the three. Mr. Fox Junior lowered his head, and Mr. Fox pondered. After giving them some time to think, Lin Qi sighed, "From a business, work perspective, if we encounter people who need help and have the capability, then we should help them."


    "Remember, we help only those genuinely in need, not scammers. In theing days, I believe there will be many scammers attempting to send worthless items here. You better find some knowledgeable people soon; otherwise, bank loans might be hard to secure."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 74:

    Chapter 74:


    The reason why Lin Qi came to the warehouse area was to deal with the items stored there. And what he had been shown wasn''t even all of it. In Mr. Fox''s other warehouses, various things were stacked to the brim. Sometimes, the coteral in a pledged agreement wasn''t just one item; it could be many.


    He walked ahead, Mr. Fox and his son trailing behind as they moved forward.


    "I understand your troubles, and I can handle these issues," he slowed his pace a bit, allowing Mr. Fox to catch up with him, "You can entrust these items to me for sales. I have apany that can handle everything here," he gestured broadly, "All of it."


    Mr. Fox''s expression froze slightly. He had expected Lin Qi to have other ways of dealing with this, perhaps by outsourcing. He hadn''t anticipated that Lin Qi would do it himself. This realization brought Mr. Fox back to some semnce of rity from his rapidly expanding wealth myth.


    His wealth was rapidly doubling at a pace he could never have imagined before, while Lin Qi, in an even more unimaginable manner, was advancing, expanding, and increasing at a relentless speed!


    He had spent half his life managing some gray businesses, living in constant fear, to achieve what he had today. Yet, looking at this young man in front of him, just half a month ago, he was just an ordinary unemployed person.


    Now, his wealth might be many times what it was before, but it took him less than a month to create this wealth myth in a way Mr. Fox could never have imagined.


    What was even more frightening was that all of Lin Qi''s ie waspletely legal and taxed.


    Mr. Fox was inting, and so was Lin Qi, but faster and more discreetly.


    He was lost in thought for a moment but quickly snapped out of it. The speed of his thoughts was so fast that by the time Lin Qi hadn''t realized what Mr. Fox was thinking, he had regained control of himself.


    "Um," after a brief pause, Mr. Fox asked with a slightly admiring tone, "So, what do I need to pay this time?"


    Lin Qi wasn''t entirely sure what caused Mr. Fox''s significant change in such a short time, a change so profound that it altered his mental outlook to some extent. But it was a positive development, and Lin Qi didn''t mind.


    "It''s up to you to decide," Lin Qi replied.


    "The first option: deduct thirty percent from the coteral price in the agreement. I''ll buy these things directly. Whether they rot in my hands or are sold for a higher price in the future, it''s none of your concern."


    "Whether it''s a loss or profit, it will be my responsibility alone."


    "The second option: let mypany help you sell these items. You need to give me two prices, one is the minimum eptable price, and the other is the price you hope for."


    "I''ll charge based on the midpoint, and whether it sells or not, you must pay me ten percent. I can''t guarantee when it will sell or at what price."


    As Lin Qi spoke, he looked at the father and the son, his face still as radiant as when they first met.


    Mr. Fox wore a troubled expression, and he quietly discussed with his son, finding it difficult to decide.


    In reality, they understood that the value of these items, as per the pledge agreement, had been pushed to a very low level. Something that was originally worth a hundred bucks, in their case, would be considered as forty or fifty bucks. There would definitely be people willing to buy them at that price, significantly cheaper than they would be in a store.


    However, they also had some hesitation. In the past few days, they had tried to sell these items, and the results were not satisfactory. Not everyone was interested in them. In two days, they had only earned a little over a thousand bucks.


    If they wanted to liquidate everything, it probably wouldn''t be an easy task, and it wouldn''t be quick. During this process, warehouse expenses, management fees,bor costs, and potential losses due to idents, such as something breaking, would umte. Their actual value would shrink, and it seemed like they were already diminishing. Every penny spent on them was equivalent to the loss of their value.


    If Lin Qi took seventy percent as per the agreement price, they thought it was too low. If Lin Qi intentionally slowed down the sales process in the second option, the ten percent fee alone could be enough to make them suffer. Moreover, their current urgent need was for some money to cope with the bank''s interest harvesting.


    Lin Qi had given them two choices, but in their eyes, there was actually only one.


    Just as they were about to make a decision, Lin Qi suddenly interrupted what they were about to say, "Take some time to think about it, both of you."


    "This is business, so we need to handle it professionally. Let''s not let personal emotions interfere with our judgment. Also, please don''t assume I''m necessarily a good person just because of our rtionship. In fact, I''m a businessman. Do you know what ordinary people call businessmen in society?"


    Before Mr. Fox and his son could respond, Lin Qi answered with a smile, "They call businessmen greedy devils. That''s the essence of businessmen  pursuing more profit. I may not necessarily consider your interests, but I will definitely try to satisfy my own interests as much as possible."


    He lowered his voice, "But outside of business, from a personal perspective, I think the second option is more suitable. Of course, personally, it doesn''t matter which one you choose."


    Lin Qi''s straightforward words dispelled the slight difort in the hearts of the father and the son, dissipating it in the "frankness" he created. At this moment, they viewed the situation as Lin Qi had suggested  without personal emotions. Lin Qi''s requirements were not unreasonable.


    They were enduring and about to reach their limit, and Lin Qi was about to take over what they were finding hard to bear. They wouldn''t have to pay a single penny for it, and they would even get money from Lin Qi.


    Lin Qi wasn''t getting the money for free, he needed to work for it; with these words, Mr. Fox sighed, "Let''s go with the first option."


    "Have you decided?" Lin Qi asked with a smile.


    "I have," Mr. Fox''s answer was not very loud but firm, "When I was young, my father told me not only to admire the morous moments of thieves when they have a lot of ill-gotten gains but also to consider the scenes of their failures, being beaten, caught by the police and sent to jail, or even killed in the wilderness."


    His tone was somewhat nostalgic, "Anything has its bright side and the side we don''t want to see. This is your ability to make money. I don''t have this ability, so I shouldn''t envy you."


    He shrugged, "Simrly, the way I make money, you won''t be able to do it either. I believe you won''t envy me, right?"


    Lin Qi showed an exaggerated expression, nodding in agreement, "These are words full of life philosophy and wisdom, Mr. Fox, you are a wise man."


    Mr. Foxughed heartily, "This is the first time someone has called me a smart person in my entire life. You know, others always like to say I''m a fool or an idiot."


    He reached out and put his arm around Lin Qi''s shoulder, "So it''s decided. When are you going to take these things away?"


    "That depends on when you''re avable."


    During this time, Lin Qi had been shuttling back and forth between Mr. Fox and GoldenlExchange Bank, helping them get their cash. He had gained a lot for himself, enough to deal with things here. In fact, he could''ve been more ruthless, but he was in a good mood now and didn''t n to take unnecessary risks.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 75:

    Chapter 75:


    In the morning, Richard sat somewhat uneasily in an office still emanating the scent of fresh paint. The spotless, bright window did not withhold a single ray of sunlight, illuminating the entire room.


    Not long ago, when the Lin Qi and Michael incident surfaced, both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau almost simultaneously located Richard. As one of Lin Qi''s crucial "henchmen," he was expected to y a significant role in Lin Qi''s alliance with Fox. However, both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Tax Bureau guessed wrong, leaving Richard as a pitiable outsider.


    After undergoing the alternating enforcement actions of the two major authorities, he paid bail and was released. In the end, Lin Qi proved his innocence, but there were no further developments regarding the bail he had paid.


    If one thought that Richard, after this harrowing journey that almost scared the soul out of him, would give up on coborating with Lin Qi, then they would be mistaken. The stimting effects of enormous profits had given Richard the courage to trample on thew. As long as there were substantial profits, there was nothing he wouldn''t dare to attempt.


    He had also tried searching for a new job at the employment center. However, every time he saw jobs with guaranteed hours plus additional hourly wages, along with the meager ie, he lost any desire to try.


    Like a decaying piece of wood, burying himself in work, earning just enough to barely sustain himself each month, this wasn''t a job; it was the systematic murder of his own life.


    Just when he was contemting whether to take a risky path, Lin Qi called him, bringing a sense of brightness back into his world.


    The next morning, Richard arrived half an hour early at Lin Qi''s warehouse. Seeing the boss in more upscale clothing, Richard expressed his confidence in Lin Qi''s return and the courage to continue working with him in a very humble manner.


    Once ustomed to the habit of making quick money, no one would willingly bend their back for a job. This was one of the reasons why many criminals found it challenging to break free from their criminal activities. They were ustomed to various forms of destruction, violence, and quick cash. How could they willingly submit to honest work?


    "Meeting you is like seeing the sun, dispelling the darkness and clouds, boss." Richard was eloquent, and his mind was sharpthis was why Lin Qi chose him.


    Of course, he was also bold enough. At least, when he received Lin Qi''s call, he didn''t hang up directly after saying a casual "sorry, not interested." Instead, he came here in advance to meet Lin Qi.


    Lin Qi patted his shoulder. "Work well, and we will have a bright future. Some more people willeter, and you''ll be half a teacher to them, helping me train them for a while."


    Richard behaved extremely humbly. When Lin Qi spoke, he slightly lowered his head, showing a listening and approving attitude. Overall, his performance satisfied Lin Qi.


    "Can you tell me in advance what we are going to do next so that I can prepare?" When Richard asked this question, his blood pressure soared, and his heart began to race. He was afraid Lin Qi would mention a job that wouldn''t satisfy him.


    Fortunately, Lin Qi could see through the young man and the hidden greed within him. So, he happily provided an answer, "A new job with no base sry, but this time yourmission will be much higher. As long as you have the ability, you can earn much more than before."


    When it came to making money, Richard was verymitted. He assured Lin Qi, pledging to do his best in the job.


    By half past ten in the morning, most of the people Lin Qi was waiting for had arrived.


    Among them was a group of children, the oldest looking around thirteen or fourteen, and the younger ones twelve or thirteen. They were the children left behind by the News Head.


    With Lin Qi''s financial support, they didn''t have to worry about being left with nothing and taken away by guardians, only to be thrust back into a new hell, where they would be exploited again. They cherished this opportunity, as no one else was willing to give them a suitable job with decent pay.


    These children wore clean but old clothes. In some remote streets of Sabin City, there were many stalls selling second-hand clothes. Most of the stall owners didn''t look very friendly. They often stole these clothes from various ces in the city and sold them here at low prices.


    Initially, there were only two or three small stalls, but now there were more and even included some furniture. Last year, the Sabin City Police Department issued a notice stating that burries were on the rise. These individuals not only stole money but also did not spare furniture and appliances.


    The police department reminded all residents to lock their doors securely before leaving home and take protective measures.


    Richard stood in the middle like a proud rooster, also the most independent. On his other side were about twenty young people, Lin Qi''s employees brought in through the employment center.


    Lin Qi nced at his watch, signaling a child to close the door. He then began discussing their future work with these people.


    "I know some of you must be confused about what we are going to do here..." When he said this, the children, including Richard, looked at the group of "new employees."


    This made the new employees inexplicably nervous, as if they were somehow different from others. This also focused their attention.


    "In fact, it''s very simple. I want you to do sales. I have a lot of goods here..." Lin Qi called a few children to distribute handbooks to everyone. "The items in the handbook are what you need to sell."


    Although called a handbook, it was more like a photo album. Opening the handbook, the first page revealed four colorful photos, apanied by descriptions of the items and their prices in the mall.


    These prices were all collected by the children who had been running around in various ces during this period; they had contributed a significant part of the effort.


    Richard also looked attentively, not fully understanding, but he knew how to maintain the dignity of those in power. He didn''t ask but pretended to understand, showing a look of "Oh, I see now."


    "I want you to go door-to-door, tell them your purpose, show them the items in the handbook, and tell them how good these things are..."


    "I know some of you may think this is a difficult task, but please believe me, this is much simpler than you think."


    "The bottom line for the prices of all items is forty percent of their original prices, and we split the excess in half."


    Everyone took a sharp breath. Even those who were nning to leave revealed surprised expressions. In the entire Sabin City, and even the entire state, and the federation''s territories, there was no such level ofmission.


    Even those who thought it was impossible began to have some thoughts at this moment. Why not give it a try?


    After waiting for them to digest this information, Lin Qi continued, "If you think this job is too easy for you, no problem. I have another job that I can give you."


    "Every Saturday afternoon, there will be a second-hand goods trading auction here. There will be arge number of second-hand goods auctioned off, and I''ll give each of you a hundred seats. Your job is to find people toe and fill those seats."


    "In the transactions that ur at your seats, you''ll get a five percentmission on the total transaction amount. Gentlemen, note that as long as the people you bring in engage in transactions, you''ll have ie."


    "I have millions'' worth of goods waiting to find buyers here, and these goods will only increase. Don''t worry that I won''t have anything to put up."


    "I can even give you a guarantee: every month, at least three people here will earn over ten thousand bucks. If no one''s ie exceeds ten thousand dbucks, I''ll personally make up the difference for them."


    "For the top three in sales performance, if I can''t make their monthly ie reach ten thousand or more, I''ll make up the difference for all of them. This applies to everyone."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 76:

    Chapter 76:


    Whether they wanted to leave or not, everyone stayed. The concept of earning a monthly ie of over ten thousand bucks remained limited to the upper-middle ss. Even among the middle ss, unless one was a partner in apany, the ability to earn over ten thousand bucks a month was not guaranteed.


    So, what did it mean to earn over ten thousand bucks in this era?


    It was quite simplea month''s earnings exceeded what others would need four years of abstaining from food and drink to umte. By calcting the daily earnings, those who stayed would surpass the monthly ie of others.


    Moreover, the economic situation in the city of Sabin was not favorable. Unemployment rates were rising, and on the streets, one could often see people with dejected expressions, facing constant setbacks in their job search. Getting a good job was truly difficult.


    Whether it was to strive for the ten-thousand-bucks monthly sry or simply to witness whether Lin Qi was a scam artist, these people chose to stay.


    As long as they stayed, there was a high probability of joining Lin Qi''s team. There was once such a profession that offered free meals, amodation, and even free lessons, but the employer could never find anyone to fill the position. They even considered resorting to kidnapping to acquire students. In certain industries, employees themselves were considered wealth, substantial wealth.


    But Lin Qi''s approach was different from those people. He wouldn''t be so crude. What one begged to give to others, others might not appreciate. Only when others begged for something they wanted, even without dignity, would they treasure it.


    Next was a rtively simple exchange of some new experiences. Most of these young people didn''t have much work experience, and the most crucial aspect was that their time in society was not yet long. They were in their early twenties, around twenty-one or twenty-two years old, and had only gained a faint understanding of the cold and sinister nature of society. Despite this, they still clung to dazzling fantasies about the world.


    The reason it was dazzling was that these fantasies would eventually fade away.


    In over two hours, Lin Qi exined how to knock on other people''s doors, how to make those people sit quietly on the sofa and listen to them babble, and how to make them willinglye to the warehouse area on a Saturday afternoon for an auction destined to be written into history.


    Lin Qi talked a lot, but the core was simplewealth, interests, and pursuit.


    "If you see an elderly person living alone, sell some children''s toys to them, tell them how much childrens will like these toys..."


    "The needs of the elderly are simple; they just want thepany of children for a while. So, these elderly people don''t mind spending money to buy some humble happiness to fill their easily satisfied hearts."


    "When children see toys they like here, they will think of them, and may even take the initiative to go to them."


    "If you see adults and parents living together, talk to them about some freedom, second-hand cars, and second-hand houses, these will be their first choice..."


    "The generation gap between young people and their elders will make them need their own space. If they can''t afford a house, then a second-hand car will be what they need most."


    "Cars may be small, but they can be a paradise for them to escape reality."


    "If you see women, introduce some fashionable things, new hairdryers, new curling ironsthere will always be something they need..."


    "If you see men, strong liquor, cigarettes, ties, watches, and even some..." Lin Qi nced down at the manual multiple times, "... some adult toys."


    "Someone once told me that sales are about creating needs. I told him it''s nonsense. If you create a need that a poor person can''t afford, you''ll never earn a penny in your life."


    "Sales is not about creating needs, but discovering needs and then stimting them," he changed his sitting posture, and the young people around him were like students surrounding a teacher, earnestly taking notes.


    "Those who give you time to showcase items don''t want you to persuade them to buy the products. Instead, they want to use the opportunity to convince themselves that they don''t need a certain product."


    "If you can find what they need and tell them that buying these things now is the most appropriate time, then you have mastered this world."


    Richard was diligently taking notes and couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Lin Qi, how do I find out what others need? I believe they won''t tell me."


    Lin Qi pointed to his eyes, "Observe. From the moment you enter, specte about the approximate ie level and lifestyle of the family based on the attire of the person opening the door."


    "Wealthy people like silk casual wear. It''s summer now, and they want to maintain their dignity and appearance. So expensive silk is their favorite."


    "Poorer people, like us, mostly wear casual clothes at home, simr to what you wear at home. Some may even wear work clothes."


    "As for those who aren''t even wearing clothes, if it''s a man, I suggest you directly tell them that you have cheap alcohol."


    "If it''s a woman..." Lin Qi''s face showed a certain expression understood by men, with the children showing a somewhat puzzled expression, "Check the time and date; not every hour of every day is safe."


    The atmosphere at the scene was very rxed. Lin Qi used the most straightforward methods to help these people understand their potential customers in the shortest possible time, and then teach them how to offer those people something slightly higher than their current standard of living, followed by an irresistible price.


    It was like a man who liked cars; he wanted a better car, but he rarely took the initiative to browse the used car market or even pay much attention to it. However, this need was real.


    As long as the right time and the right person gave him an irresistible condition, his demand would be stimted and then difficult to contain.


    Discover and then stimte themthis was what Lin Qi was teaching these young men.


    At noon, Lin Qi invited everyone to have a meal togethersteak for 19.9 bucks. This made everyone feel pleasantly surprised.


    Not everyone could afford a 19.9 buck steak. Many people might not have even tasted what this kind of steak was like until now. Regardless of whether they would stay or not, at least they felt that they weren''t losing out now.


    While Lin Qi continued to subtly instill some business and trade knowledge into these young friends, someone was keeping a close eye on him.


    Michael''s matter had gradually subsided, and he received the consequences he deserved. However, this did not mean that the issues between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Tax Bureau, and Lin Qi had disappeared.


    No matter what role Lin Qi yed in this matter, he was always the person who made the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau lose face.


    Perhaps these two agencies wouldn''t actively investigate Lin Qi, but they could keep an eye on him. As long as he made a mistake, he might be taken down.


    This was also why people often said that individuals could not resist state agencies. Those people were paid to do things against others; it wasn''t their waywardness, but their job.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 77:

    Chapter 77:


    Wood, a name so ordinary that if someone shouted it on the street, at least four or five men would turn to look at them.


    The young man undercover next to Lin Qi had such a name that exuded a somewhat old-era aesthetic; it was simple and rough.


    Certainly, the name might seem a bit old-fashioned, but it was much better than names like "Dick" or "Pussy." It was much, much better.


    After lunch, Lin Qi and the newsboys left first. But before leaving, he wrote a check for Richard, asking him to guide other people and help them warm up.


    Wood got into character very quickly. He approached Richard and asked, "Richard, I noticed that our boss seems to be very busy. Does he need our help?" His face was bright, with a hint of pleasing expression that made peoplefortable; he even showed off his muscles.


    Richard just nced at the check in his hand. He didn''t like those muscr men. When it came to muscles, the workers in the factory who worked without clothes had plenty of them.


    This was no longer an era where one''s potential was judged by muscles. Only the farmers and workers of the past considered muscles to be something impressive. In this new era, brains and wealth, the abilities to make money, were the important parameters for assessing a person''s value in society, not stiff muscles. Though sometimes, he felt a bit envious.


    "Focus on your own job and do it well; it''s much more important than meddling in other people''s affairs. What''s your name?" Richard put away the check Lin Qi gave him and looked at Wood.


    Lin Qi had just given him a sum of money to have him take these young men to order two sets of uniforms  two short-sleeved shirts with thepany''s name on the chest, two pairs of trousers, thirty genuine leather briefcases, and a thousand belts.


    Lin Qi told him that those belts would be very useful, but Richard had already given up thinking about what use these belts would have. In his view, a belt was just a belt, and the inexpensive type of belt wasn''t very popr.


    Not everything had a good market just because it was cheap. Only essential goods for daily life had a good market; belts were not one of them.


    Those who didn''t care or weren''t bothered would tie their trousers with a simple rope. Those who cared wouldn''t buy cheap belts. So Richard didn''t know why Lin Qi needed them. It was too difficult for him to understand with his own mind.


    He was trying hard to get close to Lin Qi, learning tirelessly, earnestly. He never imagined himself stuck in the role of a mere cog in the machine, working for others his whole life. He believed that one day he would be a boss.


    Richard looked at Wood, somewhat eager to have a try. Lin Qi gave him a position second only to Lin Qi himself, indicating that in this small group, he was the most trustworthy person. Trust from Lin Qi and his own sense of responsibility and mission gave birth to something he had never experienced before  a wonderful thing, power!


    "Wood, very good..." He patted Wood''s sturdy arm, feeling like patting a stone. It was apletely different experience from patting himself, which felt a little bouncy. "You''re spirited. Can you do me a favor?"


    After a while, Wood got a very suitable manualbor job, while Richard talked to the remaining people about his acquaintance with Lin Qi.


    No matter how beautiful the future was, it couldn''tpare to the facts that had already happened. Lin Qi''s words, no matter how good, would always be met with doubt. After directly revealing his identity, Richard talked about his previous cooperation with Lin Qi.


    To him, it was a kind of cooperation, although it could also be said that he was hired. But he preferred the former, a rtively equal term.


    "You all will never be able to fullyprehend how crazy that period was for us. I was making around two to three hundred in daily ie. It was the best job I''ve found in my entire life!"


    The exmations from the neers pleased Richard. He showed off the new watch on his wrist, "See, I bought this watch in just one week, although I originally didn''t n to. And now, I have a new goal."


    The watch was worth two thousand bucks; it was just an entry-level luxury watch, considered the most basic product in the entire series. Perhaps because of its entry-level status and corresponding cheapness, many people''s first luxury watch was this one. Gradually, people began to refer to this seemingly trash-like item in the eyes of the wealthy as a ssic, and it became highly sought after.


    This led to an interesting phenomenon: luxury brands and some models widely circted in lower-ss society were not popr in the real upper-ss society. Not to mention those so-called "ssic" and "hot-selling" models, which were just means to satisfy the terrible vanity of the middle and lower sses.


    If one were to inquire about the clothing and essories worn by the big shots in the upper-ss society, they might be given the name of a designer or a craftsman they had never heard of. However, for the lower ss, the significance of these "ssic" items was very obvious. When Richard showed the watch on his wrist, none of the people present could look away.


    Considering the average sry in Sabin City, apart from daily expenses, an unmarried young person would need to scrimp and save for two or three years to be able to afford such a watch. A good watch was crucial for enhancing a person''s image. Shoes, belts, watches, tie clips, and ties  many people observed a man through these things, and their impact was significant.


    Previously, when he said those words, others might have only trusted him to a certain extent. But now, their trust had increased to about seventy percent.


    Just when Richard was satisfied with the reactions, Wood, carrying two food boxes, suddenly asked, "If it''s really so profitable, why don''t we continue doing the jobs you did before instead of doing in things we don''t understand?"


    Richard nced at him, and the others were all looking at him. He shook his head, "If you''ve read the newspapers, you''d know."


    Previously, the two major authorities had conducted a sweep in Sabin City, targeting underground financialpanies. They apprehended a group of individuals suspected of moneyundering crimes and dismantled some newly emerging small-scale currency exchange operations.


    The atmosphere in the warehouse became a bit heavy. After half a minute, Richard pped his hands, asking the guy who always caused him trouble to bring him coffee. Then, he continued to talk with everyone about how to smoothly start working.


    In the evening, Wood returned to his solitary home. When he was about to unlock the door, his pupils suddenly contracted.


    Before he left, he had pulled out a strand of hair and stuffed it into the keyhole. It was a small intrusion detection trick. If someone attempted to open the door lock, any insertion and subsequent removal of the key would inevitably bring out the hair.


    Now the hair was gone, indicating that someone had tampered with his door lock.


    Whether undercover in some criminal groups or undercover around people like Lin Qi, they had to be fully prepared. Vignce was their only guarantee for survival.


    At this moment, a familiar voice came from inside the door, "Come in, it''s me..."


    It was his superior. He opened the door and entered the room, rolling his eyes unhappily, "I almost got scared to death by you!"


    His superior chuckled, exining, "I didn''t know when you''d be back. If I kept appearing around here, your identity might be exposed, so I came in directly."


    He quickly changed the subject, "How was today? Did you see Lin Qi?"


    Wood nodded, "I saw Lin Qi and his business partner, Richard..."


    "Richard?" Wood''s superior frowned, "As far as I know, this Richard is just a small fry who can''t even be considered on the periphery. Are you sure he''s Lin Qi''s business partner?"


    Wood shrugged, walked to the kitchen, poured himself a ss of water, and took a big gulp. "All I can do is pass on the intelligence; analyzing intelligence is not my job."


    His superior fell silent for a moment. He jotted down the information in his notebook and then asked again, "Is there anything else special? Tell me about your experiences today..."


    This talksted for more than an hour, with the two staring at each other, a feeling that couldn''t be described.


    The superior tightened his eyebrows, asked with an uncertain tone, "Are you sure... he said the top three can earn over ten thousand?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 78:

    Chapter 78:


    As undercover agent Wood anticipated the new day, Lin Qi drove to an upscale middle-ssmunity. After a wait of about fifteen minutes, a mature woman with light makeup and a stylish handbag emerged from themunity gate. Lin Qi promptly gestured to her, offering a smile and even opening the back door of the car for her.


    This was a very courteous gesture. Although the front passenger seat could potentially be more intimate, such spontaneous actions may not be appreciated by everyone. It was advisable to avoid creating awkward situations between individuals of different genders without absolute certainty, especially in a rtively confined space.


    "Thank you," Vera, now seated in the car, smiled at Lin Qi.


    In the afternoon, Lin Qi had called her, inviting her for lunch and discussing work matters. Vera, in a cold war with her husband recently, felt the need to break free and even applied makeup, something she had rarely done.


    Makeup for women only became popr in the past few years, whereas in the past, women in the federation and around the world generally did not wear makeup. Only those sex workers would use heavy makeup to conceal their true appearance, and only they would use perfume to mask the dissipating scent of the hormones emanating from their bodies.


    However, with the significant sesses of the feminist movement in recent years, the act of using cosmetics had beenpletely liberated from prejudice. Of course, some sociologists argue that this liberation was a conspiracy orchestrated by sex workers.


    In the past, people could easily deduce a woman''s profession by looking at her face or smelling the strong perfume she wore. Such individuals were naturally subjected to societal discrimination.


    Now, people couldn''t distinguish who was who; they had sessfully concealed themselves. However, feminist organizations argued that this viewpoint was a sensationalist act. Beauty and the pursuit of beauty were everyone''s freedom, but men always considered women''s behavior as abnormal, which in itself was discrimination against women.


    In recent years, the sess of the feminist movement had indeed changed many things. Even some men were starting to experiment with makeup, and another notable change was the widespread incorporation of perfumes into people''s lives.


    The federation was a carnivorous society; from morning to night, most people consumed primarily meat. Some individuals might eat a small amount of vegetables, but overall, meat consumption was predominant.


    This led some people in the federation to develop a noticeable body odor. In the past, apart from regr bathing, people didn''t have many options. However, now everyone had started using perfumes.


    Although societal norms were changing, upper-middle-ss and especially elite women were not very proactive in wearing makeup. Many older women, even today, continued to uphold traditional values, refraining from using makeup or perfume.


    At times and in certain situations, people would even associate cosmetics, especially lipstick, with adult products.


    The fact that Vera applied light makeup was a breakthrough, considering many women only did so at home to enhance marital rtionships and rarely wore makeup when going out. Lin Qi nodded in acknowledgment, having received gratitude from Vera. After returning to the driver''s seat, he started the car and drove towards the restaurant he had booked.


    The restaurant he booked was not far from where Vera resides. Residential andmercial areas alwaysplement each other, and it was highly unlikely that someone would invest in building a superstore selling top-tier luxury goods in the slums of a third-tier city. Simrly, no one would operate a one-buck store outside an upscalemunity.


    After a journey of about ten minutes, the car slowly came to a stop outside a restaurant. As the doorman was about to greet Vera and open the car door for her, Lin Qi smiled and asked from inside the car, "Mind if I take the honors this time?"


    Vera was slightly surprised but also pleasantly so when Lin Qi expressed his desire to open the car door for her. The doorman smiled and stepped aside.


    Lin Qi stepped out of the car, walked to the rear door, and opened it. With one hand holding the top of the car door frame, his other hand, palm facing down, formed a tform by extending his fist, providing a ce for Vera to hold onto.


    Vera expressed her gratitude once again for Lin Qi''s courtesy and gentlemanly behavior. Lin Qi, in turn, had his right arm casually bent and was looking at her.


    Lin Qi was slightly younger than Vera. Women could be foolish at times, yet other times remarkably clever. What was more frightening was that when they were clever, if necessary, they could deceive themselves. Therefore, in this situation, Vera perceived Lin Qi''s behavior as nothing more than a yful joke from a younger brother.


    Taking Lin Qi''s arm, Vera engaged in a somewhat intimate gesture, reciprocating his gentlemanly act.


    As they entered the restaurant, Lin Qi provided his name, and the manager led them to their reserved table. In the process, Lin Qi whispered something in Vera''s ear. His voice was low, and the warm breath that escaped his lips had a peculiar effect, momentarily enveloping her thoughts in a viscous state.


    "I heard an interesting joke outside. Would you be interested to hear?" he inquired.


    Seeing Vera nodding her head, Lin Qi continued with a mischievous smile, "Do you know why I stand on your left side?"


    She tilted her head in thought, then shook it.


    "Because this way, I''m closer to your heart," he exined, unable to contain hisughter. It turned what could have been a cheesy or romantic remark into a light-hearted, yful moment.


    It wasn''t abrupt, nor stiff; instead, it rxed the atmosphere, yet withoutpromising the particr feeling conveyed by these words.


    Vera joined in theughter, finding the exchange not ufortable or awkward but rather enjoyable. She even countered, "The person who told you this joke must not be a good person."


    "I couldn''t agree more."


    As they reached their table, Lin Qi pulled out the chair for Vera. After she once again thanked him and took her seat, the conversation shifted to less "awkward" topics.


    "I recently established a newpany and have sent a letter to your firm. This might disturb your holiday," Lin Qi said.


    Auction houses also required ountants, and despite the tax exemptions provided by the city hall due to Lin Qi''smitment to job creation, he remained diligent about tax reporting.


    Since the economic downturn in Sabin City, the city hall had been encouraging entrepreneurship and urging business owners to take on more social responsibility by creating job opportunities.


    However, such practices proved to be of little use. Originally, funds that should have been utilized in the real economy were diverted into the financial markets, causing a further contraction of the tangible economy. Maintaining existing job positions became an arduous task, let alone creating new ones.


    In this scenario, the fact that Lin Qi was willing to establish a service-orientedpany primarily focusing on the trading and auctioning of second-hand goods, pledging to immediately provide no fewer than twenty job positions and with amitment to creating no less than one hundred in the future, deeply moved the personnel in the social service sector.


    Impressed by Lin Qi''s sense of social responsibility and passionatemitment, the officials proactively assisted him in filling out paperwork and securing a favorable policy. For the next two years, his auctionpany would benefit from a half-tax policy, and for the subsequent two years, as long as the annual profits did not exceed the second-tier tax bracket, he could still enjoy tax exemptions.


    While it was good to have a favorable policy, Lin Qi recognized the importance of maintainingprehensive financial records. Right from the beginning, he harbored no illusions that the tax authorities would overlook him, even if he had a good rtionship with Director Johnson. Taking each step carefully was crucial for him at present, and he had no interest in the minimal gains from tax evasion, let alone taking on greater risks.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 79:

    Chapter 79:


    This was a dinner that looked somewhat romantic.


    In an elegant restaurant setting, people conversed in hushed tones. Aside from the piano melodies, the only other sounds were the faint clinks of utensils and tesa sound unavoidable when dining here, even though everyone tried their best to minimize it.


    Even when sitting in the main hall, there was a natural and inherent sense of istion between each table. Each table formed a small space that could only amodate the individuals seated around it.


    With petals on the table, red tablecloth, and exquisite tableware, even without Lin Qi making any deliberate arrangements, the atmosphere felt somewhat romantic. Perhaps it was the petals or the ambiance, but most of the diners here were young couples.


    While the chefs were still preparing their dishes, Lin Qi discussed work with Vera. Sometimes, women may appear easy to talk to, but they would still hold on to certain convictions within, and there was an enigmatic aspect to them that even they might not understand.


    So, the core theme must not be neglected. Lin Qi invited Vera to dine, with the focus on work. If he didn''t bring up these topics, it would make Vera ufortable, leading to her overthinking. However, by addressing them, those other elements would be embellishments to a delightful dinner.


    "You know, I''ve been busy with the new jobtely," Lin Qi unfolded his napkin, smiling. A handsome person always had a captivating smile, just like how a beautiful person''s smile could be enchanting.


    Lin Qi was a handsome man, and his good looks were his most important pass. In truth, for him, being handsome or ugly wasn''t an obstacle to reaching the peak, but being handsome made the process somewhat simpler.


    Just like now, an attractive young man inviting a woman who was currently in a cold war with her husband to dinner. The atmosphere was a bit romantic, and the woman might enjoy this slightly dangerous sweetness with a slightly flushed face.


    But if Lin Qi were an ugly person, let alone a romantic atmosphere, she might not even answer Lin Qi''s call.


    Looking at Lin Qi''s face, Vera nodded, "You mentioned to me before that you have ns for a newpany."


    "Yes, I did," his voice seemed to carry a kind of charm that allowed people to feel his inner joy through it; this was a very special skill.


    Expression, gaze, and voice, when coordinated, could release enough misleading signals, making people think he was happy. People would tend to lower their guard subconsciously in the face of positive things, not only humans but also animals.


    "I n to establish argepany covering the entire state. It should be fully formed by the end of this year or early next year," halfway speaking, a waiter with an apologetic expression stood beside the table, interrupting Lin Qi''s words.


    The waiter held a bottle of red wine and bowed, "Sorry to interrupting, madam and sir. This is the wine you selected," he showed thebel, "Shall I open it now?"


    Vera touched her cheek and, with a smile that wasn''t usatory, said, "I didn''t know you ordered red wine."


    "If you don''t like it, we can have something else. Juice or a non-alcoholic beverage?" Lin Qi decisively changed the choice, making Vera feel embarrassed to refuse. She just said, "It''s okay," and tacitly epted the alcoholic drink for the evening.


    Of course, she trusted Lin Qi, and she didn''t think he would do anything inappropriate to her. Sometimes, having a handsome face could be truly deceitful.


    After sniffing the cork, looking at the wall, feeling the changes in aroma and bitterness, Lin Qi confirmed the order of the ten-year-old red wine. After the waiter left, he smiled and said, "Actually, I don''t really like red wine. Its taste..." He shrugged, making Vera chuckle.


    "If you don''t like it, why did you order a bottle of red wine?" Vera, perhaps not even knowing why she asked such a question, didn''t know what answer she was expecting.


    Lin Qi, however, poured some wine into Vera''s ss, taking over what should have been the waiter''s job. While pouring, he said, "I thought you might like it. I''ve read some books, and they saydies like red wine, don''t they?"


    His response was surprising, blocking any further questioning from Vera. If she were to ask why he read those books, the answer might make everyone ufortable. However, without her asking and Lin Qi not providing a definite answer, she would overthink. Even if she didn''t show it, after the alcohol took effectter in the evening, she would start overthinking.


    A handsome young man trying to please hershe would give herself a forcibly reasonable reason, feeling pleased and enjoying the atmosphere. She might even tell herself that Lin Qi pursuing her was his decision, but she wouldn''t agree to it; this wouldn''t be considered betrayal or infidelity. She couldn''t stop someone else''s freedom because of her own thoughts, even though the reality may be entirely different.


    Women''s thoughts were sometimes contradictory, and of course, men could be contradictory too.


    Vera''s lightly applied makeup couldn''t hide her blushing cheeks anymore. That touch of rosy red gave her a blurry beauty, and her temperament became more alluring.


    "...This time, thepany I''m forming will have a dedicated ounting department. I''m not very confident in others, so I hope you can take charge of this department," Lin Qi ced the red wine in an ice bucket with some ice cubes. The weather was too hot, so the restaurant had prepared a special ice bucket.


    The water from the melting ice wouldn''t directly contact the wine bottle, and the bottle''s body wouldn''t directly touch the ice, maintaining a very suitable temperature for drinking.


    When talking about work, Vera''s expression became more serious. She seemed a bit unsure, "I''ve never done this kind of work. Perhaps you should find someone with enough expertise, and I can assist him/her/them."


    Lin Qi looked into her eyes, shaking his head, "I don''t trust anyone else; I only trust you."


    Being needed by someone was undoubtedly a happy thing. Vera''s eyes softened a bit, and her voice became even softer than before, "I''ll keep an eye on it for you..."


    "I insist." Lin Qi looked at her, "I''m not afraid of you making mistakes, and I''m not afraid of any losses. This department is yours; let''s agree on that."


    She nodded helplessly, "I''ll do my best. If I mess up, don''t me me."


    Lin Qi smiled without saying a word, pausing for about ten seconds, giving Vera ample time to understand, ept, and store this information. Then he continued, "The new job may be quite busy. I''ll be dealing with multiplepanies, and it might take up some of your extra time. If..."


    Vera pursed her lips, interrupting Lin Qi, "I''ll help you, don''t worry."


    With a sense of responsibility and a mission, an inexplicable force would flow into a person, giving them a kind of thing called determination. This thing could create many miracles.


    Lin Qi then discussed some work details, and the chefs finally prepared their dinner, serving it to them.


    A sumptuous dinner, exquisite tableware, an elegant environment, along with the romantic atmosphereno wonder people always yearned for wealth, as true happiness hid within wealth.


    After eating for some time, around nine in the evening, Lin Qi drove Vera back to themunity where she lived. Initially, he intended to drop her off at her home, but he ended up stopping outside themunity.


    In Lin Qi''s words, if her husband saw his wife returning in the car of a young man, it might make him angry, affecting their rtionship. So, this considerate man only parked his car outside themunity gate, saying it would allow Vera to sober up a bit.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 80:

    Chapter 80:


    It was past eleven in the night when Gap, exhausted, returned home from thepany. Recently, he had been dealing with some traces in thepany''s ounts rted to transactions with EverBright Group.


    Some things were not recorded in the books, but money had been added, and some things were in the books, but the numbers didn''t add up. It was not just one messy ount; there were many.


    Through the arduous work during this period, he suddenly gained some vague insights. EverBright Group, apany simr in size to Listoan Group where he worked, or evenrger, had suddenly fallen into a quagmire. It was definitely not just a simple case of tax evasion; there might be some connection to foreign capital involvement.


    Gap wasn''t entirely clear where this feeling came from. While addressing thepany''s issues, he was also closely monitoring news about the EverBright Group scandal. From his perspective, there seemed to be no problem on the EverBright''s side.


    "Maybe I shouldn''t think too much," he said to himself while driving, turning into themunity entrance from the main road.


    These major cases were too far away from him. Not to mention influence or interference, he couldn''t even do anything about it. His concern for the case was purely out of curiosity.


    Gap''s car had been registered in themunity before. As his car approached the security booth, the on-duty guard immediately raised the barrier. Gap managed to squeeze out a smile and said, "Thank you."


    Sometimes, politeness wasn''t just a result of upbringing or personal character; it was a way to maintain a positive image. This could be seen as a kind of adult hypocrisy or essential knowledge one had to master when entering society.


    For Gap and many like him, a simple "thank you" was enough to enhance their image.


    Just as he was about to step on the gas to drive into themunity, the security guard seemed hesitant, with a strange expression on his face.


    People who worked with numbers were meticulous; those not attentive wouldn''t be able to handle such work. Gap''s eyebrows slightly moved, and he took his foot off the elerator pedal, cing it back on the floor. "Is there something you want to tell me?"


    Originally, the security guard didn''t intend to meddle, but since Gap was so polite, a form of "respect" for him, it made it difficult for the guard to keep silent. He looked conflicted, and Gap found it even stranger.


    "If there''s something, please tell me. It might be important to me," Gap said with seriousness, using "please" to convey his sincerity.


    The security guard sighed and said, "I shouldn''t be meddling, Mr. Gap, but...," he shook his head, but who would know what the headshake meant, "Mrs. Vera came back tonight in a car with a young man, a very handsome one..."


    The security guard revealed what was on his mind and stopped there. Such things were strictly forbidden.


    Whether in a mid-range or upscalemunity, servicepanies didn''t allow employees to leak or discuss anything rted to the residents. Every year, there were manywsuits about privacy. So every employee would need to undergo professional training before starting the job. However, Gap was adept at disguise, and the security guard, on duty today, still retained some innocence typical of those in the lower strata of society. In the end, he said what he shouldn''t have.


    Gap''s face suddenly turned unpleasant. He forced a smile and tossed a pack of cigarettes out of the window. "Thanks, I arranged for someone to bring her back."


    The security guard breathed a sigh of relief. "Is that so? That''s good. I almost thought..."


    He spoke with some embarrassment,pletely unaware of Gap''s darkening expression, almost blending with the surrounding darkness.


    After parking the car, Gap opened the door with a gloomy face. He never thought his marriage would have any problems.


    He was young, handsome, had a job envied by everyone, possessed considerable assets, and was about to be a junior partner in Listoan Group. Though only a junior partner, he had surpassed the majority of people. He was already stepping onto higher stages, and no woman would leave him, just like those cheap girls in thepany.


    But now, he was angry. A decoration he considered essential in his life, something to adorn his social integrity, a pet he raised, was breeding unpleasant thoughts.


    Any man with a strong sense of masculinity couldn''t endure this!


    He pushed open the guest room door; they were still in a cold war, sleeping in separate rooms.


    Vera hadn''t slept yet. She had the bedsidemp on, reading a management book that Gap had bought before. She had some wine tonight, and women under the influence of alcohol would often be more emotional, sometimes engaging in impulsive behaviors like reading a book while slightly tipsy... Was it really effective?


    Not necessarily, but they would use their "efforts" to inspire themselves.


    The moment the door opened, Gap looked at Vera, and Vera met Gap''s gaze. They stared at each other for a moment, then Gap suddenly said, "Did you drink tonight?"


    Vera put down the book in her hand. "Is it any of your business?"


    At this point, Gap was somewhat annoyed. While he was working hard outside, this woman was mingling with other men. He had been suppressing his emotions, but it leaked out.


    His voice carried a strange hoarseness, a sense of inexplicable injury. "You betrayed me!"


    There was a hint of displeasure on Vera''s face. "I was just discussing work with a friend, and there are no marks on my buttocks!"


    One sentence instantly calmed Gap down. That day was the biggest humiliation of his life, and he found a reason to kick that cheap bitch, who left a few lip marks on his buttocks, out of thepany.


    He might have done something unfaithful in the office, but these things should be left in the office. Whether taken home by him or by others, it was a vition. Additionally, Vera still had some alcohol in her system, and arguing would only make neighborsugh at them. If that really happened, by tomorrow morning, the entiremunity would probably know what happened to his family. So, he wisely chose to keep silent.


    He pointed at Vera. "You better remember that you''re married!"


    Vera counterattacked without showing any weakness. "Do you think you remembered that?"


    Gap felt that his head was about to explode. Where did his gentle and obedient wife go?


    He turned around, closed the door heavily, took off his clothes, and went to the bathroom. He needed a shower to calm himself down.


    In the bathroom, he saw Vera''s changing clothes. After some careful deduction and reasoning, he felt a bit relieved. At least, Vera hadn''t betrayed him.


    Just as he rxed for less than a minute, his mood soured again. This woman actually learned to talk back. It seemed that years of indulgence had misled her into thinking it was freedom. After this period was over, he needed to have a serious talk with her.


    Early the next morning, Gap left in his car. There were still many ledgers that needed his attention; he had no time to waste at home.


    Vera woke upte in the morning, having had a very good sleep due to some alcohol. After taking a shower, she entered the study to pick some books rted to management. Lin Qi trusted her, so she had to work hard to repay that trust.


    As she was about to leave after selecting a few books, she suddenly noticed several ledgers on Gap''s desk. Every ountant disliked these things, but they were sensitive to them because it was their work.


    Vera hesitated for a moment, walked over, and took a nce. It was an original copy, with a clear line of small words underneath  Listoan Company (Group) Ledger...Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 81:

    Chapter 81:


    "EverBright Group scandal involves many; Senator Thomas () has been approved for subpoena by the state court..."


    "Numerouspanies within the state are implicated in this shocking cross-border tax evasion case, with far-reaching impact..."


    "So far, elevenpanies linked to the ''EverBright Group scandal'' are under investigation by federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Tax Bureau, and Federal Security Commission(), temporarily halting their operations. Workers have organized protests, urging a swift conclusion to the investigation and a quick return to work..."


    Whether in newspapers or on television, news about the EverBright Group tax evasion scandal had been gradually increasing.


    This was, in fact, a very clear storm. By voicing concerns through various channels, people began to realize that many things might change in the short term, preparing them for the impending storm.


    Perhaps people would say, "I knew this day woulde," showcasing their foresight. Simultaneously, it served as a reminder for some to report, and for others to escape.


    In other words, those backers of the EverBright Group could no longer protect their "little brother." Their powerful connections might have abandoned them or been dragged down by them. The higher-level battle had already concluded, and waiting was no longer an option.


    "What''s your take?" Fox Junior, sitting beside, was also reading the newspaper. Recently, he had developed the habit of reading newspapers, following Lin Qi''s example.


    Often, Lin Qi would find time to read newspapers. After all, newspapers still remained a mainstream news source, at least within the federation. Even television struggled to suppress traditional print media in terms of stability in news dissemination.


    Many believed that in the next decade, television would eventually rece traditional print media as a crucial means of obtaining news information. They were too optimistic. This transition would persist until the advent of portable, small-sized technological devices. Print media would be reced only after that.


    Before that, television could never achieve the portability of print media. A newspaper could be taken out of a bag to pass the time during a journey. It could be picked up casually while waiting for something, providing a distraction. One could even enjoy the relief in the restroom while reading a newspaper, ignoring the peculiar smells. Sometimes, a newspaper, after reading, could serve other purposes, but of course, it required some additional cleaning due to ink stains.


    Television cannot achieve this. People cannot carry a heavy television to and from work. The reason traditional print media hadn''t been reced by television was convenience.


    Just like now, Lin Qi could pick up a newspaper and read content of his liking at leisure. He cannot do the same with a television, making it follow his whims to y what he preferred.


    In the time spent with Lin Qi, Fox Junior''s perspective had changed in some ways, such as his views on those mixing in the lower echelons of society. Previously, he believed they were brainless, but now he dared not think so. Lin Qi was not only smarter than him but even smarter than his father.


    Lin Qi casually put down the newspaper, shaking his head. "Ick some supporting evidence, so I won''tment on or discuss these matters."


    Actually, he had the evidence but chose not to reveal it. All thepanies implicated by EverBright were joint ventures. With Lin Qi''s recent learning and deeper understanding of this world, he had realized where the problemy. However, there was no need to burden Fox Junior and his father with these details. It had nothing to do with their lives, and there was no need for them to worry about it.


    Lin Qi''s words hint at a desire not to continue discussing the topic. Fox Junior quickly changes the subject, "Recently, my father and I have been nning to invest in some other industries at the right time, legal industries. What do you think?"


    The transformation of Mr. Fox and his son wasrgely influenced by Lin Qi, creating a vivid contrast between them.


    Lin Qi earned money at a speed not slower than them. If looking at the percentage return instead of specific numbers, even thebined return of a hundred Gettnau Financials would still not surpass what Lin Qi earned.


    The crucial point was that Lin Qi''s business was legal. Legally making money, legal money  this dream-like life had made Mr. Fox doubt his past decisions for the first time, almost unwilling to believe it.


    So, Mr. Fox and his son discussed for a while and decided to invest in some legal businesses. If sessful, they could also get rid of their current situation, at least not needing to live in fear.


    These thoughts make Lin Qi feel somewhat incredulous. Many who were ustomed to making quick money would never ept doing legal business. Unexpectedly, Mr. Fox and his son were actively seeking change.


    He nodded, pointing to the bustling street outside the huge ss window. "What do you see?"


    There were many pedestrians on the street, some looking dejected  the economic recession was not a joyous event. Combined with the strike and investigations leading to the suspension of production in some major businesses, many workers had lost their jobs.


    There were also some women. Whether it was Fox Junior''''s illusion or his perceptiongging behind the times, he always felt that the girls on the street this summer had be more eye-catching. Before, it was challenging to see such pretty girls on the street.


    However, he wouldn''t say these things. As a civilized person who had received higher education, he didn''t think Lin Qi''s question was that simple.


    After careful consideration, he answered Lin Qi''s question in his professional field with a tentative tone, "Cheapbor resources?"


    This summer was the first time in nearly a decade that average wages had significantly decreased. In previous years, average wages would continue to rise, but since the beginning of summer, the workers who used to demand strikes if wages didn''t increase had disappeared. Instead, there were more short-term workers willing to work for just a meal at street corners.


    Those waiting to be hired at the employment center had slightly lowered their wage demands, andbor was bing cheaper  a consensus among everyone.


    Lin Qi shook his head. "You can say that, but look deeper. Haven''t you noticed that girls are revealing more cleavage and wearing shorter skirts?"


    Fox Junior felt a bit embarrassed, using a forcedugh to conceal certain thoughts in his mind. His father happened to enter the room at this moment, looking spirited today with a cane in hand.


    "What are you guys talking about?" Putting the cane in the slot for the umbre next to the coat hanger, he asked curiously while having Fox Junior turn on a fan.


    Fox Junior recounted their conversation, making Mr. Fox interested. He helped Fox Junior ask, "Why is that?"


    Lin Qi smiled, crossing his legs and naturally cing his hands on the sofa''s armrests. "Due to economic recession, small and medium-sized enterprises, and evenrge ones, can''t afford these luxuries anymore. If you visit some bigpanies, you''ll find their employees busier, and almost all of them are male."


    "Thepany''s profits are not enough to support keeping eye-catching women or..." He tilted his head, "you know, some people like to fool around in the office, but now they need to save funds in that area."


    "Those girls who used to be paid have lost their jobs and can only look for new opportunities on the street, or else, they''ll starve," Lin Qi sighed. "That''s what I mean by opportunity."


    Mr. Fox hesitated and said uncertainly, "From what I know, only two states among the seventeen federal states allow legal solicitation..."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 82:

    Chapter 82:


    When the economy regressed, people''s purchasing power became a joke. After a decrease in ie, there was no strict sense of "consumption"; instead, it became a necessity to make ends meet. However, not everything during an economic downturn followed the downward trend of economic indicators. For example, birth rates and abortion rates may not decline simrly.


    After an economic downturn, opportunities for entertainment became scarcer. Due to prolonged unemployment, certain needs would intensify amid restlessness. Consequently, a wave of newborns would be part of this scenario, continuously impacting already unstable families. Some families, originally nning to have children, may choose to abort due to economic difficulties.


    The baby boom and abortion rates were not contradictory, adding an interesting dimension to the situation. Crime rates would also noticeably increase as many individuals, pressured by life, resorted to illegal activities to meet basic needs. Some may even willinglymit crimes to secure free meals in prison.


    In this stressful and anxious environment, society would experience a pathological condition, and wealth would rapidly flow from the lower strata to the upper echelons. Ordinary peoplecked channels for fair exchange throughbor, and their money was gradually drained during the struggle to sustain life. This money ended up in the hands of capitalists, leading to the emergence of anti-wealth sentiments in society.


    During economic recessions and societal downturns, it was a time for capitalists to revel. However, certain industries quietly thrived, and their growth was closely rted to the societalndscape.


    Discount stores, retail, and some wholesale markets became highly sought after. People must n their consumption meticulously, including the middle ss, who could no longer indulge in the pleasures of wealth as freely as before.


    This became one of the few opportunities for the middle ss to connect with the lower strata. They would stop driving because fuel cost money; instead, they would carry shopping baskets like many ordinary people, scrutinizing every detail.


    Industries rted to agriculture also experienced a certain degree of growth. Many households began cultivating edible crops near their residences to supplement their needs. If not for restrictions on keeping livestock and poultry in urban areas, these people might even raise cows.


    Among numerous foundation investment projects, funds flowing into agriculture and animal husbandry increased significantly. Investment banks and funds were particrly sensitive to market changes, and their allocation in agriculture and animal husbandry investments reflected future economic trends.


    If there was an anticipated economic development in the future, funds would be invested in appropriate industries or financial sectors. However, a significant shift towardsrge-scale investment in agriculture and animal husbandry, at the expense of other investments, signaled an approaching economic winter. Many tended to overlook this issue.


    Tobo, alcohol, and the entertainment industry also experienced rapid and vigorous growth. Cigarettes and alcohol provided temporary relief from worries, while the entertainment industry allowed people to momentarily forget life''s hardships. If the price of this happiness wasn''t too high, people would allocate some money to purchase it.


    With an uing storm that would break down the already semi-solidified walls of the Baylor Federation''s capitalist ruling ss, some artificially created barriers and walls would shatter. Less noticeable industries would be easier to enter.


    Of course, in addition to these factors, the second-hand market would experience an unprecedented boom. This was why Lin Qi wanted to establish a newpany, covering the entire state, dedicated to the trading and auctioning of second-hand goods.


    He had the right timing and conditions. This time, he nned to make a substantial profit. If nothing unexpected happened, after this storm passed, a business genius would rise here.


    However, discussing these matters now seemed somewhat redundant. Lin Qi briefly exined to Mr. Fox and his son, touching on the entertainment industry''s alternative revenue stream.


    "The entertainment industry, particrly entertainment rted to culture, profits from two main sources. Firstly, normal operational ie..." Lin Qi raised a finger, "I believe you can understand andprehend that."


    Mr. Fox and his son nodded. Operational ie, like making movies and selling tickets, represented the operational earnings.


    Lin Qi then raised a second finger and continued, "The second partes from subsidies provided by the federal government..."


    Mr. Fox and his son exchanged a nce. Lin Qi''s exnation truly sparked their interest. From fearing the federal government to considering taking a piece of their pie, they, who were recently involved in potentially illegal activities, suddenly felt a surge of excitement.


    However, they wondered if the federal government''s meal was really delicious.


    "Society is about to be restless. Arge number of unemployed individuals will be an instability factor in every city. Coupled with the federal government''s self-reliance stance, which has already triggered some issues in the internationalmunity, alleviating social pressure, appeasing public sentiment, and seekingmon ground in the internationalmunity have be crucial tasks for the federal government''s next phase."


    Lin Qi paused at this point and suddenly asked, "Mr. Fox, if you met a foreigner, under what circumstances would you, in the shortest time possible, ept the foreigner and be friends with them?"


    Mr. Fox thought for a moment and said, "If we canmunicate in the samenguage, if he knows about some things I talk about and I know about some things he talks about, if we havemon topics or even shared hobbies, we would quickly be friends."


    Lin Qi pointed at him, "Exactly. Culturalmonality. We rarely have the time to sit down and earnestly read a foreign book, even if it''s a world-ss ssic."


    "But we can genuinely and carefully watch a foreign film, even contemting the things behind the film. That''s what makes movies special."


    "The entertainment industry can not only help the upper ss appease the dissatisfaction of the lower ss regarding societal structures and reduce friction and conflicts between different sses but can also export moremonality and recognition internationally. Doing these things not only allows for legitimate profit and federal government subsidies but also eliminates concerns about retaliation from certain interest groups. This is an industry with a future."


    Lin Qi said a lot, and Mr. Fox was very intrigued. Fox Junior was also fascinated. He studied management, not sociology or financial economics, so he didn''t understand these things. However, he felt that what Lin Qi said made sense.


    He looked at Mr. Fox, as if wanting to confirm his father''s attitude. Mr. Fox then asked a very direct question, "Lin Qi, my friend. If we follow your advice and invest in the entertainment industry, would you join us as a shareholder?"


    In Mr. Fox''s view, if the entertainment industry could really make money, Lin Qi wouldn''t miss this opportunity.


    After spending this time together, he had a clear and profound understanding of Lin Qi. Lin Qi was a pure businessman. All his actions were aimed at seeking maximum profit, including helping him transition from illegal to legal,undering the money. These were the efforts Lin Qi made to bite into his flesh, but Mr. Fox didn''t dislike this calction, or rather, didn''t dislike Lin Qi''s methods.


    If there were more people like Lin Qi, who could continuously multiply his assets, that would be even better.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 83:

    Chapter 83:


    The entertainment industry, the showbiz, not only would be the most profitable ce in the future, but it would also be a ce where many people would gain influence.


    The Federation was a magical country where, as long as there was enough influence, a cat, a dog, a horse, or even a pig could run for president. Of course, if they could afford the expensive campaign fees, they might even have a chance of winning.


    The birth of the Federation''s president was closely rted to the people''s elections. ording to the Baylor Federation Charter and relevant electionws, as long as someone was a resident of the Federation and officially employed, then he/she/it had a vote.


    Yes, the "it" here was not a typo. Baylor Federation had more than a hundred animal citizens so far. This was not only a miracle, but it could also be considered one. It was the miracle of these animal owners, as well as the miracle of wealth.


    The reason why it could be considered a miracle was that as long as their owners were generous enough, someone would take care of the identity issues of these pet citizens. They could even work, like bing "movie workers." This was not a metaphor or an insult; indeed, some dogs were indeed involved in the filming process.


    A politician aspiring to achieve their life values and fulfill their life ambitions in politics needed to be recognized by people before they could realize these ideals that were exclusive to them. Only then would people cast their votes for them.


    Some people chose to be actors. There were several senators in the Senate who were opera or movie actors before entering politics. There were also examples of celebrities entering state legitures.


    Politicians needed people to know them, to listen to them speak, and then to believe in them. And there was no easier way to get people to know someone than bing a celebrity.


    No one would be able to recall the names of mayors in every city in the seventeen states of Baylor Federation, but many could name quite a few celebrities who were popr on the screen in recent years. They would also know how many movies they''d made, their box office performance, any scandals, their favorite perfumes, favorite brands of underwear, and more.


    Starting in the entertainment industry, gaining fame, and then entering politics had been proven to be a very effective path, although it was not entirely safe, at least not so effective in the Northern states. Northerners were more traditional; they didn''t like their leaders to be "actors."


    But this strategy worked well in the South, where people had a more progressive and positive attitude towards epting new things.


    Even if actors had no intention of entering politics, some politicians were willing to build rtionships with actors and filmpanies. Not only did the entertainment industry generate a variety of ie, but it also served as an important avenue for the dissemination of political ideas.


    So, running the entertainment industry was definitely not just about making money. One could also harvest unexpected things, like friendships and agents.


    If Mr. Fox was not interested in investing in the entertainment industry, Lin Qi wouldter establish an entertainmentpany himself. Fortunately, Mr. Fox was an interesting person and a good friend.


    After a brief discussion of the uing decisions, the attention of the three people in the room, mainly Mr. Fox and his son, shifted from the new investment project to Lin Qi''s second-hand goods trading auction.


    When Mr. Fox entered the room, he was actually holding a rolled-up brochure. Now he gave it to Lin Qi after showing it to Fox Jr..


    "Lin Qi, I''m curious, won''t you incur losses doing this?"


    The brochure contained some promotional content, such as thergest and mostprehensive second-hand goods trading auction market in the entire state, which Mr. Fox was particrly interested in.


    After selling the pledged goods to Lin Qi, he got arge sum of money to cover the bank''s interest. Now his need for money was not so urgent. As the first loan entered the harvest period, the money would start rolling in spontaneously.


    He wanted to know how Lin Qi managed to sell those hard-to-sell items. Originally, he wanted to ask Lin Qi in person, but unexpectedly, someone handed him a brochure on the way.


    The question he asked referred to a very conspicuousbel at the bottom of the brochure, stating that each person entering first could receive a belt after the auction.


    In this day and age, there was already synthetic leather, but the exorbitant price of synthetic leather was notparable to cheap genuine leather belts. It was ridiculous, but it was reality. Any fashionable and newly discovered thing would have a price that did not match its actual value, even if it would decrease in the future; that would be a matter forter.


    One thousand genuine leather belts, each costing at least five bucks. One thousand belts would be five thousand bucks, and the cost of hosting the auction, including venue rental, might add up to two to three thousand. They were curious if Lin Qi could sell the goods and how much he could sell.


    Lin Qi took the brochure, looked at it, and nodded. He was very satisfied with this design, which was decided by him personally after guiding Richard.


    There were only two contents on the front: one introducing the time and location of the second-hand goods trading auction, along with a couple of exaggerated slogans. The other emphasized in bold red and yellow that belts could be obtained for free.


    On the back were some processes and a list of items for the auction, all of which were attention-grabbing things.


    Originally, Richard''s idea was to be as detailed as possible, but Lin Qi rejected it. This couldn''t be med on Richard; it was the limitations of the times. This was an era without big data, an era of inefficient information dissemination, an era where people still retained some simplicity, an era where productivity couldn''t fully satisfy people''s needs.


    People''s attention was more focused on practical issues. They still seemed a bit simple, and sometimes the term "simple" was used as an insult.


    So Lin Qi rejected Richard''s initial design that looked like a phone directory and chose this simple and straightforward brochure. The purpose of the brochure was not to let people know something specific; it was actually a filter.


    It had strong screening capabilities. In the first round of screening, those who received this brochure and could stille to the normal auction were not in serious financial trouble. They had potential consumer desires, and at least they could waste a day attending the auction instead of looking for a job outside.


    In the second round of screening, those who took advantage of freebies would be the main target, just like the issue Mr. Fox was initially most concerned about. People were paying attention to the free belts.


    People who were not in serious financial trouble and liked to take advantage of small gains actually had a roughly simr characteristic. They showed clear impulsiveness and blindness in the process of consumption. As long as the price of something was cheap enough, even if it wasn''t essential, these people would buy it in a heated moment.


    Adding the third round of screening, which was the trendy items listed on the back; many of these were new products that had just been released, and their prices were still stable.


    When people saw discounts of fifty or sixty percent on these items, they wouldn''t be able to help themselves but have the thought of "I won''t buy, but I''ll go take a look."


    After three rounds of screening, these people became Lin Qi''s most critical customers. They would be the most important source of wealth for Lin Qi.


    In previous life, in the small cell, Lin Qi had chatted with a rtively prominent professional in the telmunications industry. He asked the person why some methods seemed so childish that even children couldn''t be deceived, yet he managed to reach a point that he couldn''t get out of for a lifetime.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 84:

    Chapter 84:


    Look forward to it, this was Lin Qi''s response to Mr. Fox. He didn''t directly convince Mr. Fox with words; it was a good business, and he knew how to make money for himself.


    People are always like thisbefore reality hits them, before the harsh reality punches them in the face, they never believe that reality hitting them could be so painful.


    By the way, reality is not a person''s name.


    Instead of using words to create a pale disguise of his intentions, not letting them harbor various thoughts and expectations, Lin Qi chose to wait for the results.


    Anyway, there wasn''t much time left.


    On Friday morning, around ten o''clock, Lin Qi hosted journalists in a coffee shop outside the warehouse area. Not everyone working in the warehouse area wore blue overalls; some people with a bit of financial background also worked there. Warehouses wereplex ces; they could store trash, worthless things, as well as valuable items.


    This diversity shaped the diversity of the warehouse staff. Therefore, it was not that strange to see someone passing the time with coffee and snacks near the warehouses.


    This time, Lin Qi invited six local newspapers from Sabin City, including one that specialized in publishing photos of unfortunate girls. Though solicitation was considered illegal business in Sabin City, publishing these photos, articles, and attaching personal information did not vite the relevantws and regtions of Sabin City, the Federation, and the publishing industry.


    In addition to local newspapers, there were reporters from the state capital and mainstream media from other cities. Lin Qi had grand ambitions; he wanted to establish not just a second-hand tradepany in Sabin City but expand his business to the entire state and even beyond. Hence, the publicity for the first trading event was crucial.


    When people see news that interested them in the newspapers, they would expect the trading event to take ce locally or at least consider attending to see if it lived up to the positive descriptions in the newspapers. If all they saw was criticism, they may lose interest, and even if the event was local, they may not intend to participate.


    First impressions were crucial, and that was why Lin Qi actively contacted these media outlets. He hoped they would provide him with positive coverage.


    Perhaps because Lin Qi reimbursed their expenses and provided a daily subsidy of thirty bucks, these journalists had a good impression of him. Apart from the money, Lin Qi also bought advertising space in their respective newspapers, which was the main reason the newspapers were willing to send reporters.


    In short, Lin Qi was a big sponsor, and that had be the first impression for his journalist friends. This time was like a small personal interview;ter, they would go into the warehouse area to shoot scenes before, during, and after the trading event.


    These photos would be arranged together to create a strong contrast and visual impact. Even without doing so, readers could feel Lin Qi''s seriousness about the matter; he wasn''t just fooling around.


    "Mr. Lin Qi, how do you define the second-hand goods trading event you are organizing?" asked a reporter from the capital, representing the highest-selling newspaper in the state.


    Every region had such newspapers, bearing significant responsibilities, guiding public opinion, spreading positive energy, and overseeing various aspects of society.


    This question seemed a bit hollow at first nce, but it was crucial. She was asking about Lin Qi''s stance or whether there might be some political motives involved.


    This female reporter wore sses, her expression a bit stern. As soon as she spoke, others prepared to take notes.


    They were all peers, well aware of the interview process. Journalists always saw themselves as the vanguard of social justice, impartially weighing individuals, but in reality, their positions were already skewed, at least ording to the size of the newspapers they worked for, speaking in order of their status in the industry.


    These things were only in Lin Qi''s mind. Without much thought, he answered with a sunny smile, "Stimting the idle market, saving resources for society, avoiding unnecessary waste, and providing more job opportunities for society. That''s what I''m doing..."


    Handling these journalists was like ying to Lin Qi.


    Normally some questions that might be embarrassing or attacking could make the interviewee very ufortable. This was also a fact, butpared to the constant questioning and even interrogation during the entry into the small cell, these journalists were like children.


    "He was surrounded by numerous journalists, chatting away without any stage fright. With his charm, he conquered everyone!" This was an annotation made by a journalist for a photo he took. In the photo, people surrounded Lin Qi, earnestly recording his words, and his confident and sunny face almost seemed to emit light.


    Even in newspapers where the photos were not very clear, people seemed to feel the special aura emanating from Lin Qi.


    This phototer became the most important moment in this journalist''s career. Life, at times, unfolded in mysterious ways. One needed not necessarily immerse oneself directly into certain affairs; being a mere observer could suffice to attain fame.


    He might not know what this photo represented in the future. At this moment, after taking the photo, he sat back at his seat and started recording the interview.


    Lin Qi''s confidence, humor, asional sharpness in his words, and self-deprecation made him a popr figure. There were rarely interviews where everyoneughed, but this time, peopleughed frequently, even the serious and stern female reporterughed several times.


    After a sessful conclusion to the interview, Lin Qi surprised them with a gift.


    In the world Lin Qi came from, this would be called a bribe, but in the Baylor Federation, where simplicity prevailed, journalists who considered themselves representatives of fairness and justice weren''t ustomed to such "customs," and they were even a bit bewildered.


    "Just some local specialties and a bit of travel expense. It would greatly distress me to see you refuse."


    His warmth and sincerity moved everyone, and in the end, they epted this small gift. Each person carried a sense of guilt and an indescribable feeling.


    However, after they went back, each one of them chose to do the same thingmodify some already finalized drafts.


    After bidding farewell to these journalist friends, Lin Qi couldn''t help but sigh. It was indeed a good era.


    In another world, because the travel expenses weren''t enough, there were incidents of reporters directly throwing things on the conference site.


    He liked this world.


    In the afternoon, someone Lin Qi didn''t expect found him. The guy called himself Ferrall and imed to be one of Sabin City Mayor''s entourage.


    He was a man who appeared to be in his thirties, about five feet seven inches tall, which was considered tall in this era. His hair was a bit sparse, and his receding hairline was severe.


    "Mr. Lin Qi, I noticed this thing..." He ced a promotional flyer on the desk and pushed it towards Lin Qi.


    Lin Qi picked it up and looked at it. It was a promotional flyer he had printed, and he asked with some confusion, "Okay, anything wrong with it?"


    Ferrall smiled confidently, but his confidence was different from Lin Qi''s. Ferrall''s confidence was a condescending one, tinged with contempt, not the self-assuredness that came from inner affirmation.


    His confidence stemmed from the power he directly and indirectly held.


    "I noticed you''ll be holding a... second-hand goods trading auction in the warehouse area tomorrow afternoon," he said, looking at the flyer and reading, "...is that correct?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 85:

    Chapter 85:


    "Your auction event cannot be held as scheduled..." When Lin Qi heard this sentence, he couldn''t help but recall some TV dramas from his previous life. In those shows, the concluding line of the episode that aired the day before never aligned with the content in the recap of the next day''s episode. It felt awkward, akin to a cow with a horse''s facea severeck of coordination. His TV series shouldn''t be like this; it wasn''t part of the script.


    Of course, he didn''t erupt in anger. Instead, he calmly looked at the person across the office desk, maintaining his work-oriented attitude with a smile. "Mr. Ferrall, can you tell me why my auction cannot proceed as nned?"


    He repeated, "Why can''t my auction event be held on time? Perhaps we can find a solution."


    Ferrall looked at Lin Qi with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He had expected Lin Qi to get angry, curse at him, or evene at him with clenched fists. He was prepared for all that. However, Lin Qi did none of that. He sat behind his desk, calmly discussing solutions, presenting an aura of reliability. Even if one didn''t like him, one wouldn''t dislike him too much.


    Ferrall nodded, "That''s why I''m here. ording to thews of this state and city regtions, organizing gatherings of fifty or more people in public ces requires advance application to the Social Services Bureau, Mr. Lin Qi. It seems you have forgotten..." He sighed and put on a regretful expression, his mouth downturned.


    Although it should have been an expression of displeasure, everyone, especially Lin Qi, could feel that he was actually smiling. This was his inner expression, revealing the strange nature of humans.


    Seeing the "smile" on Ferrall''s face, Lin Qi knew that the situation was not so troublesome. "I indeed was not aware of such regtions. I thought only parades and demonstrations required prior application."


    "Gatherings too." Ferrall added, then raised his wrist and nced at his watch. "The Social Services Bureau closes in less than an hour, but this kind of application requires at least a week in advance. Your auction event is scheduled for tomorrow. It''s toote."


    Lin Qi pursed his lips, pondered for a moment. He suddenly asked an unrted question, "Mr. Ferrall, as you can see, mypany, including myself,cks sufficient understanding of somemon-sense matters..."


    Ferrall nodded; although this might not be consideredmon sense, it wasn''t obscure knowledge either.


    The mores of the Baylor Federation were rtively free, at least ording to the federal government. Everyone had the right to organize gatherings, and many people had indeed organized such activities. However, some remained unclear about these matters.


    Laws and regtions varied from region to region. For example, in some ces, one couldn''t make a sshing sound when urinating, or one couldn''t sing while bathing, and if someone reported it, they could be arrested.


    In some ces, one had to whistle while urinating outside to remind others that someone was excreting to avoid misunderstandings. If one didn''t whistle while urinating, they could be arrested...


    Different regions with differentws and regtions were enough to make most federal citizens dizzy. What was eptable in one ce might lead to arrest in another ce.


    At times, individuals became aware of the uncertainty surrounding these matters. Some would turn to the Social Services Bureau for guidance, but its service was less satisfactory. Consequently, more people opted to consultwyers.


    Earning money with mon sense" referred to some low-endw firms. They often didn''t need to appear in court but helped employers solve daily problems.


    Lin Qi smiled slightly, "Thank you for reminding me, Mr. Ferrall. This saved me from a lot of trouble. But I have a proposal, I don''t know if you''re interested."


    Ferrall showed some curiosity. Honestly, from the moment he entered the room until now, the initiative had been firmly in the hands of this young man.


    In Ferrall''s predictions beforeing, regardless of Lin Qi''s reactionwhether anger, or any other responsethe initiative would be transferred instantly, allowing him to firmly grasp control of the conversation''s direction and rhythm.


    The n was perfect, just like Lin Qi''s n, but there was a slight unexpected twist. Lin Qi didn''t get angry, nor did he erupt. He calmly acted not like a party involved. Simultaneously, he retained control and attempted to dominate the conversation.


    Ferrall''s attitude towards Lin Qi had also undergone some changes. He could look down on a young man without much sophistication because he could easily manipte such individuals. However, he couldn''t look down on an efficient and intelligent person with execution capabilities. Who knew when the other party would ce a stone in their hands and hit him with it?


    "Please go on..." Ferrall not only corrected his attitude but also adjusted his sitting posture to show respect for Lin Qi.


    Lin Qi smiled again, "Your arrival made me realize that I need an consultantsomeone who can help me at work, find mistakes and omissions I haven''t noticed, and assist me in handling details."


    He opened his hands, "As you may know, my career has just begun, and I don''t know many people in Sabin City yet. However, God is kind..."


    Ferrall frowned; he had already realized what Lin Qi was about to say. Lin Qi then voiced the thought Ferrall had guessed, "If you don''t mind, Mr. Ferrall, I hope to upy some of your spare time, hire you as my consultant. Of course, I will offer a reasonable sry for this."


    Lin Qi took out a checkbook, grabbed a fine pen, and wrote down a figure on the checkbook. He then tore the check off and pushed it forward with his index finger. "This is your sry for this month," he added, "after taxes. I''ll have the ountant take care of the tax for you."


    Ordinary people, even if they wanted to refuse at this point, would still pick up the check to see how much was written. It was not because they were greedy, but they were curious.


    They were curious about how much they were worth in the eyes of others. It was a reference to their specific value in society. In the future, when bragging, this could also be a topic of conversation: "So-and-so once offered to pay me xxx amount of money, but I still didn''t help him." This could be highly effective in boosting their own value.


    After reading, they would put the check down to show that they were not the person the other imagined.


    Ferrall casually picked up the check and nced at it, his brows furrowed tightly. Five thousand bucks a month, it was not a small sum.


    As the mayor''s entourage in the city hall, apart from the documented monthly sry of five hundred bucks, the total amount he received every month was just over a thousand bucks.


    He ced the check back on the table, sounding a bit troubled, "What do you mean by this?"


    Lin Qi shrugged, "I think I''ve made it very clear just now. Ick understanding in some legal matters and procedures rted to the government. As far as I know, being an entourage is not an official position in Sabin City Hall. Our transaction is not an hical one, and I don''t need your assistance in anything illegal."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 86:

    Chapter 86:


    Advisers (), this was the respectful title people give to the aides of a prominent figure, reflecting their special status.


    Their rtionship with the prominent figure was very close, and to some extent, they could influence the thoughts and decisions of the prominent figure. However, at the same time, they wouldn''t draw much attention to themselves.


    It was a unique job, but it was not all advantages; there were many disadvantages as well.


    But now was not the time to discuss these matters. Ferrall was currently facing a choice.


    Lin Qi''s proposition was precise and straightforward. He didn''t need Ferrall to provide any services other than being a consultant. He didn''t even need Ferrall to promote him in certain aspects. Lin Qi only needed Ferrall to asionally answer some questions or express his opinions.


    This was legal ie, and no one could say it was illegal. The purpose ofing here today was clearly to make Lin Qipromise, but unexpectedly... the one who ultimately needed topromise was Ferrall.


    The atmosphere in the room fell into silence, leaving only a gradual breathing sound. Lin Qi looked at Ferrall, and Ferrall stared at the check on the table.


    He needed to give himself a reason to stick to his own thoughts, to convince himself not to pick up this check. But if he failed to convince himself...


    In fact, from the moment he started thinking about convincing himself not to take it, he had already lost.


    Everyone knew that when people tried to find reasons for themselves, anything could be an excuse.


    After about four or five minutes, Ferrall picked up the check from the table, folded it a bit, and stuffed it into the pocket of his jacket.


    Lin Qi stood up proactively, extending his hand with a grateful expression and shook hands with Ferrall. "With your joining, I believe mypany and I will continue to create miracles."


    Lin Qi''s appearance seemed as if he had exerted a lot of effort to persuade Ferrall. Ferrall, on the other hand, felt honored to be able to help him. However, both of them knew in their hearts that this was merely a performance, the most difficult to master and the most crucial thing in society.


    After the "tearful gratitude" ended, the two sat back down. By now, the atmosphere in the room had subtly changed.


    "Mr. Consultant, I am currently facing some trouble..." Lin Qi leaned back, "Someone told me that in Sabin City, gatherings of more than fifty people require an advance application to the Social Services Bureau, and it''s toote for us to do it now. Is there any other way to solve this issue and not dy our auction tomorrow?"


    At this moment, Ferrall deeply felt a powerful aura surging from Lin Qi. It seemed elegant, but in reality, it was fierce.


    He had seen many people, mayors, heads of various departments, some celebrities in Sabin City, big capitalists, people of all kinds. Some people indeed had some aura, but no one couldpare to Lin Qi. Although he looked young, he gave the impression of facing a person in their forties or fifties, a prominent figure who dominated the federation and enjoyed international fame.


    Every word, tone, gaze, attitude, and even a subtle movement made people involuntarily straighten their spines and hold their breath.


    He subconsciously made a slight movement, feeling a bit uneasy, but the check was already in his pocket. From the moment he picked up the check, things had changed.


    The reason Ferrall came here was not actually to cause trouble for Lin Qi; on the contrary, he came to offer Lin Qi some benefits. Perhaps this young man was not aware, but his flyers had caused quite a stir in this small city. Although it was just a belt, many people were paying attention and nning to participate; even the people from farther away ces were also discussing this matter.


    This was an unprecedented way of conducting the event, giving away belts for free.


    The mayor''s office outside City Hall (1) had noticed that Lin Qi''s auction had already caused somemotion; at least two to three thousand people would go to watch it, and it could even be more.


    If the mayor wanted to gather so many people, it would require mobilizing a lot of resources, including reaching agreements with some capitalists. This was not an easy task, and it might take two or three months to prepare.


    But Lin Qi could gather these people in just a week. This gave the office some new ideas.


    Sabin City, like other cities in the federation, faced many troubles  economic recession, increasing unemployment, rising crime rates, and growing unrest in the city. Before this, the mayor already had some new ideas. He nned to hold an outdoor public speech.


    On one hand, it was to boost the morale of the entire city of Sabin, and at the same time, he would announce some newly promulgated policies to alleviate the panic of the people.


    Of course, Lin Qi''s auction might not be an appropriate ce for the mayor''s speech; it was beneath his stature. It would be just a warm-up. The aides in the office had more ambitious ideas  portraying Lin Qi''srge second-hand goods trading auction as one of the mayor''s initiatives to benefit the people.


    The aides had discussed it, and it was indeed an effective method. Even if the economy was receding, people''s desire to consume would not bepletely extinguished.


    Using some affordable and good-quality second-hand goods to satisfy thetent consumer desires of some people could not only soothe the emotions of the people but also solve some social problems.


    More importantly, they saw something on Lin Qi''s flyers that people had not paid much attention to  Lin Qi''spany also epted various second-hand goods for recycling!


    Whether revitalizing the second-hand goods economy could meet the needs of the lower-ss people was still a proposition to be verified. But at least, it was a hope. The sky was gradually getting dark, so even if this "star" wasn''t too bright, it could still shine a bit.


    If Lin Qi and hispany could handle this well, it would undoubtedly be one of the mayor''s significant achievements in governing Sabin City.


    If Lin Qi''s business didn''t do well and ended in failure, or if issues arose, it merely underscored an age-old truth: Policies may be well-formted, but problems could arise during execution.


    As for whether Lin Qi would agree?


    There was no need to consider this small issue; they had already investigated Lin Qi. He had indeed made some money recently, but it was just some money; they could easily crush him.


    Lin Qi not applying for a gathering permit from the Social Services Bureau was just a temporary excuse. Even if he dyed the auction, he wouldn''t be able to get any permits.


    There were too many ways to control an ordinary person.


    However, Ferrall hadn''t anticipated that before getting the job done, he''d already implicated himself. Soon, a sense of satisfaction crept in. He wondered if Lin Qi would regret giving him the five thousand bucks once he realized his intentions might not be malicious?


    He eagerly anticipated, so he cooperatively provided the answers to the questions Lin Qi was concerned about. As long as he coborated with the City Hall for a series of promotions, they would send someone over for an unveiling or the like, positioning it as a policy benefiting the public. In that case, Lin Qi wouldn''t need to go through the hassle of reporting to the Social Services Bureau  the City Hall''s authority and functions surpassed those of the Social Services Bureau; a notification afterward would suffice.


    He also mentioned some benefits in it and observed Lin Qi carefully. However, he was destined to be disappointed.


    Lin Qi didn''t show any regrets for spending an extra five thousand bucks. He just asked another question, slowing down his pace and making each word clearer. "Is there any subsidy?"


    This sentence left Ferrall momentarily stunned; he couldn''t help wondering whether he had misheard something. Leaning forward slightly, he inquired, "I''m sorry, what did you just say?"


    "I asked about subsidies," Lin Qi slowed his pace, enunciating each word clearly. "If we present the auction as an initiative driven by the City Hall, perhaps even a significant policy, wouldn''t there be corresponding subsidies?"


    "If the auction was considered an action promoted by the City Hall, even a significant decision, there should be corresponding subsidies, right?"


    "How much, how to apply, and who to apply to?"


    Suddenly, Ferrall felt that this consulting fee might not be so easy to get. Lin Qi immediately gave him some trouble.


    .


    Note 1. Each governing official had a private office independent of the federal government, responsible for various aspects of their work and affairs. This included somemercial activities, which was unavoidable. In the Baylor Federation, to achieve anything, it was not only reliant on the support of the President''s Cab but also on the support of capitalists. Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 87:

    Chapter 87:


    In every city, there were some special jobs that were not highly profitable and the municipal government was unwilling to handle themselves. These included jobs like city cleaners, regional servicepanies, and public welfare organizations. Previously, these jobs were managed by the Social Services Bureau, but due to various reasons, it was eventually decided to contract them out to specializedpanies and enterprises.


    Simr to the public transportation in the city of Sabin, it was also one of the public services transferred from the Social Services Bureau. Because these businesses, such as city cleaning, garbage disposal stations, and various welfare homes, were difficult to generate profits, they couldn''t rely solely on the earnings of cleaners to make substantial money. Therefore, the municipal government provided some financial subsidies and policy incentives.


    For example, in terms of taxation, certain exemptions were granted to encouragergepanies to take on more social responsibility. However, was it only non-profit public servicepanies that received subsidies? Not necessarily. City transportationpanies were known to be profitable. The determination of whether apany met the subsidy criteria depended entirely on its political value and significance.


    If necessary, the leaders of Sabin city would initiate discussions, hold hearings to gather opinions from industry experts and the public. As long as everyone agreed, subsidies would be granted. The crucial line not to cross was making the public feel that such actions were unnecessary. In media terms, the federal government was an efficient and transparent government that alwaysmitted to not wasting taxpayers'' money.


    While citizens may not be knowledgeable about certain things, they knew how to assert their identity as taxpayers and how to make a fuss about it.


    However, Lin Qi''s second-hand goods trading auction... it didn''t seem like a public welfare endeavor; at most, it had some connection to social services.


    This puts aplex expression on Ferrall''s face. On one hand, he felt that Lin Qi was not easy to deal with, and on the other hand, he experienced a sense of irony, realizing that he had be somewhat foolish after constantly belittling others.


    Once Lin Qi secured the subsidy, the sry he paid to him may not even be a fraction of the subsidy. Even though that money had no direct rtion to Ferrall, he still felt a sense of loss.


    He remained silent, pretending that he didn''t know, but Lin Qi began to raise the stakes. "Mr. Consultant, you may not be aware, but by the end of this year, I will expand the Interster Trade Company() throughout the entire state, with headquarters in Sabin city."


    "At that time, I will also establish a brand-new warehouse area and a dedicated transportationpany to boost the economy of the state through the second-hand goods market."


    "By then, the Interster Trade Company''s second-hand goods transactions will cover the entire state, and even extend beyond the state. I believe this will have a significant impact and provide Mr. Mayor with a remarkable political achievement."


    "People will be able to satisfy their pursuit of a high-quality life with less money, while also greatly reducing some of the social problems that have arisen. People often turn to crime due to poverty, and now there''s a legal way to make money. As long as the federal and state governments can find ways to revive the economy in a short period, we might have an easier time getting out of difficulties and bing the focus of the nation."


    "And, I personally promise that by next year, the number of employees in mypany will exceed five hundred"


    As Lin Qi spoke, he took out a checkbook and a pen. As the tip of the pen almost touched the check, he looked up and asked a questionpletely unrted to the previous content, "What is the maximum individual donation limit in this state?"


    In order to limit capitalists from engaging in political donations and hical transactions with politicians, the federal government had set a maximum donationw. Each person had an annual donation limit, effectively curbing the momentum of capitalists seeking political endorsements. However, it also made things somewhatplicated, and in reality, it was not very effective.


    Mostpanies would collectively donate to politicians of their affiliations, including part-time employees who may only earn a hundred bucks a month; they would also donate up to the limit to support their party. Everyone knew why this was done and understood the reasons behind it.


    To strengthen information management, thew waster amended, requiring the recording of each donor''s name and the amount donated. However, this did not prevent the transfer of interestsdonations could be reimbursed beyond the limit. People would still enthusiastically donate and would even feel that the limit was too low.


    Ferrall immediately realized something. He adjusted his posture in his seat and said in a low voice, "The state limit is one hundred and fifty bucks in cash..."


    Lin Qi did not say anything. He immediately wrote a number on the checkbook, tore the check out, and pushed it over.


    It was a brand-new transfer check. The amount of seventy-five thousand bucks on it made Ferrall''s breath quicken.


    He looked at the check, then at Lin Qi. Lin Qi put away the pen, revealing a smile as bright as sunshine. "I think, since Mr. Mayor took charge of Sabin city, our city has made considerable progress. I strongly support Mr. Mayor''s political agenda and governance philosophy."


    He paused for a moment before continuing. "By the way, what party does Mr. Mayor belong to?"


    Ferrall almost ran away covering his face in embarrassment. He raised his hand, rubbed his eyebrows, and reluctantly said, "Federal Progressive Party()..."


    "Yes! Federal Progressive Party!" Lin Qi pointed at Ferrall. "The Federal Progressive Party, a great party. I know them and appreciate their performance. This is my donation to Mr. Mayor and the Federal Progressive Party. It''s not illegal, right?"


    Ferrall forced a smile, shaking his head. It was not illegal, it didn''t exceed the limit, so there was no vition. "But you''ll need a list, sir. These names need to be registered with the donation."


    Lin Qi casually picked up the telephone directory from the corner of the table and mmed it back onto the table. Staring at Ferrall, he said in amanding tone: "There are more than five hundred people here."


    The two locked eyes for a moment. Ferrall sighed and nodded. He understood Lin Qi''s meaning.


    Of course, he wouldn''t be the one doing all this. Their office had young people specifically handling these dirty and tiring tasks. These individuals knew how to extract five hundred names from the phonebook to make the donation look moreprehensive.


    After Ferrall picked up the check and stuffed it into his pocket, Lin Qi continued to inquire, "When can I expect my subsidy?"


    Ferrall thought for a moment. "We need to study it, and there will be at least five hearings. If it gets approved, the municipal government will support you with funds or policy assistance, such as tax exemptions."


    Lin Qi raised an eyebrow. "I thought tax exemptions were only for smallpanies."


    Inparison to subsidies, tax exemptions would bring more tangible benefits, but they were not absolute. For apany that could only earn one million a year, an additional subsidy of five hundred thousand from the federal government would exceed the benefits of tax exemption. The maximum tax exemption could only waive over thirty percent of various taxes, which was around three hundred thousand. However, a subsidy of five hundred thousand would still allow them to earn some after paying taxes.


    But for someone like Lin Qi, ambitious and confident in realizing his ambitions, tax exemption was more valuable than subsidies. He was confident that within two or three years, he would be able to achieve millions, tens of millions, or even more in profit.


    Satisfied, he nodded, seemingly casually asking, "No one will make things difficult for me, right?"


    This statement carried a hint of warning. Ferrall shook his head, saying, "It shouldn''t."


    "Good!" Lin Qi said and stood up, prompting Ferrall to stand up as well. He extended his hand, shaking Ferrall''s hand, smiling. "Please tell Mr. Mayor that I admire him very much and hope we can have dinner together sometime."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 88:

    Chapter 88:


    "Is it settled?" The mayor withdrew his gaze from the window, nced at Ferrall, and asked, "How did the negotiations go?"


    Back in his office, Ferrall, upon seeing the Mayor, felt aplex mix of emotions as if a truck had crashed into a chemical store, with various reactions urring sessively.


    The only thing that made him somewhatfortable was the check in his chest pocket, which only belonged to him. In fact, agreeing to Lin Qi might not be a bad thing.


    The municipal government did not provide sries for people like Ferrall. Their sries were funded by the mayor''s private office. In other words, it was the mayor himself who paid sries to people like Ferrall, but these sries couldn''t be too high. This was why his sry was only a little over five hundred bucks.


    It was difficult for the mayor to allocate a generous sry for him. In reality, it was not just about difficulty; it was almost unfeasible to provide an exorbitant amount. Ferrall''s remuneration, as part of the mayor''s private office, along with the office expenses, was sustained by political donations contributed by capitalists.


    The use of political donations had certain standards and requirements. It wasn''t like the politicians could do whatever they wanted with the mine the capitalists gave them. There was a rtively sophisticated process, and it was also subject to supervision.


    If the sry for someone like Ferrall, employed by the Mayor, was too high, the group responsible for overseeing the use of these funds had the power to lower Ferrall''s sry or request the mayor to dismiss him.


    It was a very rigorous,plex, and somewhat amusing process. In simpler terms, after the capitalists gave money to politicians, they had to prevent the politicians from just taking the money without doing anything. At the same time, they had to prevent politicians'' greed from escting. To achieve this, they devised various methods to restrict the use of political donations until certain conditions were met; only then could the funds be withdrawn unconditionally.


    But before that, everything had to follow the rules, and many eyes were watching them. This also became a significant weakness, or a drawback, for individuals like Ferrall working as aides.


    Once they were dismissed for some reason, it would be challenging for them to find a simr job again. Even if they went to regr businesses, those businesses would find it hard to offer them a satisfactory job. So, even if they faced some grievances outside, they had to endure as much as possible.


    If, in the future, the mayor could achieve his ambitions and ideals in politics, individuals like Ferrall might have the opportunity to move from behind the scenes to the forefront.


    In the history of the federation, there were many examples of aides bing politicians. They helped their former employers achieve their life''s ideals, gained enough experience themselves, and, more importantly, obtained the friendship of capitalists.


    With capitalist support and their experience and background, it was easy for them to seed. That was also why Lin Qi behaved somewhat assertively, and Ferrall didn''t resist.


    If things got too ugly, Lin Qi could leave without much fuss, and people would only say that his political stance didn''t align with the mayor''s, so he left.


    But Ferrall could easily run into problems. When people talked about Lin Qi, they would also talk about the mayor. If a mayor forced a capitalist to leave, it wouldn''t be aughing matter; it would only make more capitalists vignt.


    In the end, the only unlucky one would be Ferrall. Acting was not a skill exclusive to him and Lin Qi; the mayor was adept at it as well. With a carefully crafted pained expression, the mayor would instruct him to endure the situation for a short while. However, they all knew that ''short while'' might turn out to be a lifetime sentence for his political career.


    If he didn''t offend Lin Qi and maintained a certain level of closeness with him, it might actually help his future ns.


    Once he decided to run for a certain position, Lin Qi, who had a good rtionship with him, could immediately be his supporter. Nowadays, the key to winning wasn''t how capable a person was but whether they could act and how much campaign funding they had.


    The mayor was holding coffee, sipping it slowly, and watching Ferrall. His workload was indeed considerable, but he also had quite a few aides. With Ferrall included, he had a total of four aides, as well as two young men responsible for dirty work.


    Many times, his job was just to gather everyone, discuss the work, and thenplete his "homework" based on the collective wisdom. So, in reality, the mayor''s job wasn''t asplicated as people imagined.


    The truly difficult tasks were not directly rted to his paperwork but rather to challenges in society.


    This time, his aides discovered the second-hand goods trading auction and immediately realised its value. Buying things people needed for less money or reducing the desire to shop could save a family more money. With financial reserves, even if life may present some difficulties, it should not lead to aplete inability to survive.


    These were just the most basic observations. What the aides were really concerned about was the word "action."


    Most leaders, when faced with certain issues, always used words like "in progress," "discussing strategies," or even "we are powerless" to exin why there hadn''t been any action yet.


    Although most of the public didn''t expect their leaders to immediately provide solutions, as long as they didn''t make things worse, they were satisfied. However, sometimes people would feel dissatisfied and angry with the leaders'' inaction and indifference. So, a sessful politician, a leader, must show the public that when facing difficulties, they were not doing nothing but had taken some action.


    Second-hand goods trade was the best answer Mr. Mayor could provide during an economic downturn. He could use this to convey a message to the people of Sabin City that he had contributed his efforts to the city and its residents; he wasn''t a "zombie."


    As for the results, if it was a good oue, people would praise him generously, from the grassroots to the political arena, giving him high ratings.


    If it was a bad result, at least he tried. Then, it depended on whether the execution was on point, whether it aligned with his initial n, and whether there were any problems that led to the failure of the n. None of these issues were his responsibility.


    On the contrary, he could use this opportunity to umte some experience, as a political experience and knowledge reserve, which mighte in handy when needed.


    It was a very perfect n; he might not even need to pay any price to make it happen. So, why not?


    Facing the mayor''s gaze, Ferrall nodded. He had already sorted out his emotions and became calm, as if everything was going ording to his n.


    "I''ve settled things with Lin Qi, and we talked about some deeper matters. With my help, Lin Qi realized the role you and your party y in Sabin City. He is very eager to have dinner with you..."


    When Ferrall reached this point, the mayor just chuckled dismissively. This city had over eight hundred thousand people, and at most, only one in a million would have such an opportunity. He didn''t believe Lin Qi was that one in a million.


    Ferrall was well aware of Mr. Mayor''s style, and his attitude towards work and life. The fact that the mayor didn''t speak immediately was within his expectations.


    "Lin Qi has promised to make Sabin City the core and establish a second-hand goods cirction channel covering the entire state. At the beginning of next year, it will provide at least five hundred job positions for society. In addition..."


    Ferrall took out the transfer check from his pocket and ced it on the table. "This is his initiative to thank you and the Progressive Party for your help to Sabin City. Both him and his employees donated this voluntarily, hoping to assist you and Sabin City."


    The mayor raised an eyebrow, showing some interest. After taking a nce at the check, he flicked the check with his index finger and then handed it back. "Give it to the ountant for recording..."


    Political donations would be handed over to a specialized ountant, and this money would enter a dedicated corporate ount. In name, this money was under the mayor''s control.


    He paused for a moment and asked, "What did you say just now?" Without waiting for Ferrall to answer, he self-answered, "Lin Qi wants to invite me to dinner?" A smile appeared on his face. "Tell him I agree. For a responsible young entrepreneur, as a local governor, I should impart my not-so-outdated experience to him, helping him avoid some detours."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 89:

    Chapter 89:


    On the second day, which was a Saturday morning, Ferrall once again arrived at the warehouse area. He brought along some items needed for the auction setup.


    There wererge promotional posters and materials that could connect this trading auction with the municipal government and the mayor''s policies. Surprisingly, the local newspaper had articles about the second-hand goods trading auction, heavily emphasizing its connection to the mayor. It stated that this event, driven by the mayor and organized by Lin Qi and others, was established and held under his guidance.


    Although it seemed like just a few sentences, the mayor had already taken credit for the sess, leaving a mysterious trail about the involvement of Lin Qi and others. It was unclear who these "others" weremaybe three or five people, maybe just Lin Qi alone. However, it was a necessary process to secure subsidies or policy favoritism for Lin Qi.


    The seemingly outdated system, in reality, was surprisingly transparent; some things cannot be concealed at all. Since they cannot be hidden, efforts were made to make them appear more inpliance with regtions.


    "Next Tuesday at noon, the mayor has forty minutes avable. You can have lunch together," Ferrall said while observing the municipal workers arranging the posters and banners rted to the mayor''s office.


    He nced at Lin Qi, but there was no sign of displeasure or negative emotions on Lin Qi''s face.


    In Baylor Federation, dinner was the most significant meal of the day. Usually, peoplepressed their time for breakfast and lunch, saving time for other activities. This made dinner more special, formal, grand, and so on.


    In any case, if the meeting was framed as a gathering for the purpose of having a meal together, opting for lunch might give the impression that the other party was underestimating the significance of this meeting.


    Ferrall expected Lin Qi to be unhappy or feel underestimated. He was well aware of this feeling, especially among young, sessful individuals who hadn''t faced significant setbacks. Any failure due to human interference, apart from unavoidable natural factors, would make them angry. The more sessful they were, the angrier they would be in such situations. However, Lin Qi''s calm appearance made him wonder if he was adept at hiding his frustration or if he genuinely remained calm.


    As the bridge between Lin Qi and the mayor, Ferrall dutifully exined, "The mayor originally nned to arrange a dinner meeting with you, but due to scheduling constraints, the next avable slot is more than a month away, so..."


    He shrugged, hoping Lin Qi would understand how tight the schedule of a politician of the mayor''s caliber could be and howplicated it was to make changes.


    "I understand," Lin Qi nodded. He didn''t exin that he genuinely didn''t mind having lunch with a "minor figure" like the mayor at noon.


    Beforeing to this world, most people Lin Qi dined with represented an era. A mayor from a different world was just a mayor after all. He respected the mayor, but he didn''t revere him.


    Lin Qi was unwilling to say more, and Ferrall, naturally, wouldn''t borate either. He began to habitually embrace his new identity.


    To be honest, before leaving work yesterday, Ferrall had various frustrations, confusion, and self-me. However, this morning, as he saw 5,000 bucks transferred into his ount, he suddenly felt at ease. 5,000 bucks wasn''t a small amount, even for someone like Ferrall.


    It might notpare to the 75,000 bucks simultaneously transferred to the mayor''s political donation ount, but these 5,000 bucks were his own, not the office''s or the mayor''s. Once he epted the perks of this identity, Ferrall began to feel that Lin Qi was a decent young man. Thinking that he might be the first small capitalist to extend a hand of friendship to him, Ferrall considered whether to get "closer" to Lin Qi.


    People like Ferrall, mayor''s aides, often interacted with many capitalists. They served as channels ofmunication between power and wealth, but they didn''t possess power and found it challenging to acquire wealth. These capitalists would only invest in those who held the scepter of authority. Ferrall could, at best, gain some insignificant additional ie in his life and work.


    Were capitalists not worried about offending aides by not bribing them properly, leading them to speak ill of them in front of those in power?


    Such things were unlikely to happen, because there was also a special group of "intermediaries()" called "brokers()." Most of them came from the upper echelons of society, including celebrities and former politicians. They had deep connections in both the political and financial realms. When capitalists needed to persuade someone, they didn''t necessarily have to go through aides; they had professional political brokers to handle everything.


    This was another drawback of Ferrall''s job. Their glory and power were just illusions shown to the public. When their backers made decisions, their opinions and thoughts became insignificant.


    Unless they performed exceptionally well, or the politicians they served were at a high level in the federal hierarchy, it was challenging to attract significant investment from capitalists.


    The mayor wasn''t exactly part of the higher ranks within the federal power structure, so up to this point, Ferrall had only gotten acquainted with local businessmen, bing somewhat familiar with their faces.


    He also needed help.


    In no time, these individuals had the venue rearranged, taking less than forty minutes. They were all highly skilled professionals who knew how to make the ce better align with the mayor''s requirements.


    On either side of the tform, two imposing posters stood tall. In the center, the mayor beamed with a brilliant smile, giving two enthusiastic thumbs up. Surrounding him were a variety of products and tempting discounts, creating a scene that felt strangely familiar.


    It was a bit exaggerated, but it effectively conveyed the mayor''s role in the event. For the lower strata of society, they wouldn''t interpret anything beyond the surface. To make them understand that eggs came from chickens, the simplest way was to show them a chickenying an egg, rather than describing it.


    "Alright, let everyone get ready..." Lin Qi nodded, instructing people to oversee the workers in blue overalls moving items out of the warehouse.


    Since the warehouse area often experienced theft, these workers needed supervision. While most of the workers in blue overalls were diligent, a few individuals would sometimes tarnish the whole group''s image.


    Ferrall didn''t immediately leave; he nned to stay until the auction ended before going back. He wanted firsthand information to analyze with other aides, determining whether more time and effort should be invested in Lin Qi.


    The two had a hasty lunch. Before two in the afternoon, around one thirty, people had already started arriving at the venue.


    Holding flyers, they inquired if they could exchange them for a belt, showing the sess of Lin Qi''s strategy. Giving away items for free was a novel concept, and society hadn''t developed resistance to it yet.


    Staff, led by Richard, immediately approached them, dividing the attendees who came for the auction.


    Each flyer was unique. If someone paid attention, they would notice a prominent color block in the top left corner on the back of each flyersome red, yellow, purple, blue, and many more colors.


    These color blocks represented their affiliation with different ''sales representatives.'' For instance, take Richard; the top left corner of his flyer''s back was embossed in gold. He personally paid for this detail to showcase his distinctiveness.


    These people were assigned to their respective seats. The transactions of these attendees during the auction would be calcted separately, ensuring the uracy of each salesperson''s ie.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 90:

    Chapter 90:


    "Have you discovered anything new recently?" A middle-aged man in a worn-out short-sleeved shirt with holes stood in front of Wood, shaking hands with him while quietly inquiring.


    Wood shook his head. He gestured with his eyes, and immediately, his superior noticed Lin Qi standing outside the crowd, apanied by Ferrall.


    While many ordinary people might not be familiar with Ferrall, Wood''s superior was well-acquainted. He knew almost everyone in the city who required his attention, including Ferrall, the adviser to the mayor.


    The connection between Lin Qi and the mayor made Wood''s superior feel a bit uneasy. Before the higher authorities intervened, investigating Lin Qi could potentially infringe on legal protections under certainws. To ensure that leaders were not subject to harassment and political entanglements during their terms, investigations into rted individuals were generally avoided.


    If the mayor of Sabin City perceived the investigation into Lin Qi as an attack on him, it might lead to a temporary halt in the inquiry against Lin Qi. They would have to wait until the mayor''s term ended to resume the investigation.


    Wood''s superior was somewhat anxious. If they could obtain substantive evidence against Lin Qi before any significant interaction between Lin Qi and the mayor urred, they could preemptively charge Lin Qi. The mayor would naturally avoid contact with a criminal in that case.


    However, all of this hinged on one conditionthey needed concrete and valid evidence. Otherwise, the court would not approve their subsequent actions.


    Wood shook his head. His superior''s expression grew more solemn. Under Wood''s guidance, he took his seat assigned to Wood.


    Wood opted forke blue; he liked the color, so all hundred seats assigned to him were covered withke blue dust covers.


    Gradually, more new faces with his flyers took the seats belonging to Wood. Many of them were active-duty police detectives, here to assist Wood in infiltrating Lin Qi''s circle.


    Originally, Wood''s superior just wanted to make up the numbers, ensuring Wood sessfullypleted the mission. However, the current situation seemed very urgent.


    They needed Wood to gain Lin Qi''s approval quickly. The best way was to make it appear that Wood could be the person to help Lin Qi seed.


    As time passed, more people arrived at the scene. Lin Qi had prepared two thousand seats, arranged in a circr formation around the venue. This ensured that everyone could see the disyed goods, and the auctioneer could hear the bids from all sides.


    The people brought by Ferrall also joined in maintaining order. Reporters would be filming the entire event, and the footage would be featured on the local news by tomorrow night at thetest. Therefore, it was necessary to have some official personnel on-site.


    Apart from these individuals, warehouse security and even some blue overalls workers spontaneously assisted Lin Qi in maintaining order while staying to enjoy the spectacle.


    In this increasingly economically depressed society, people needed something fresh to stimte their numb nerves.


    At 2:15, approximately three thousand people had gathered at the scene. Those without seats found random spots to stand, even the rescue teams were present to prevent any unforeseen idents or dangers. In any case, everyone was highly anticipating and very curious about what was toe.


    "It''s starting..." With Lin Qi''s words, the host and his assistants took the stage, apanied by arge number of goods being brought to the tform. The noisy atmosphere quieted down to some extent, though there were still low conversations. Overall, it was no longer as boisterous.


    "I am delighted to be here on such a day..." The host, hired by Lin Qi for six hundred bucks from the provincial capital, began his introduction. Lin Qi also had to pay an additional one hundred twenty bucks for transportation and one day of amodation.


    Sabin City did not have a formal auction house, so there were no professional auctioneers. A good auctioneer could effectively elevate the atmosphere, create some small conflicts, and frequently set record-breaking prices.


    In Baylor Federation and even internationally, some famous auctioneers could receive amission of three percent of the final transaction price as their bonus!


    He quickly exined the auction process. The items rted to the bidders were mostly about raising hands; no number tes were needed. It wasn''t as formal and serious, resembling more of a familiar second-hand goods trading eventthough top-tier auctions were essentially high-priced second-hand goods markets.


    The entire auction could be divided into three stages. The first stage was a fixed-price rush auction, with no distinction between raising and lowering bids. The host would announce a price for an item, and those who wanted to buy it could raise their hands.


    On the central disy tform, there were four additional staff members holding small buttons. When they saw someone raising their hand, they would press the button, preventing the other three from triggering the button''s effect. This process was employed to confirm the identity of the first person to raise their hand.


    In this stage, most of the items for sale were in demand, essential for daily life. For example, practical household ovens, cooking stations with six stoves, and simr items that every household had a need for. These items had a stable trading volume and price in the second-hand market and could be easily sold without raising or lowering the price.


    After the first stage, they moved to the second stagethe actual auction. To evoke a certain atmosphere, the starting price for each item was one buck. Yes, regardless of how much the item would sell for in stores, the starting price here was one buck. The final price depended on everyone''s demand.


    Most of the items in this category were shy and impractical. If they were assigned a fixed price like the first category, these items would mostly stay in the warehouse. It was better to let customerspete; maybe they would fetch a good price.


    As for the third stage...


    The host said it would be an unprecedented surprise that could even change some auction rules globally!


    As a surprise, he chose not to reveal it for now and proceeded to the first stage of the auction.


    As the first item was disyed by the staff, the host skillfully introduced and boasted about ita built-in oven that could be ced in a cab or embedded in a wall.


    These hidden ovens had be very popr in recent years. They were not only aesthetically pleasing but also saved space. For families with limited kitchen space but in need of a rtivelyrge oven, it was a good choice.


    In stores, this brand-new oven would cost around 199 bucks, but today at the auction, it was only 79 bucks!


    The auctioneer''s words were highly provocative. Around ten seconds after he finished speaking, a light suddenly illuminated on the stage, and shortly afterward, people in other factions were seen raising their hands too.


    The first item was sold very quickly, leaving people either feeling regretful or curiously watching the person who raised their hand first. A mysterious sense of participation began to slowly emerge.


    "Congrattions to this gentleman, who bought an almost new oven for 79 bucks. If I weren''t the host, I wouldn''t give you such an opportunity!" The host pointed and congratted the sessful bidder. Meanwhile, staff members started settling the paymentcash or check was both eptable. In addition to these, the buyer had to leave an address for home delivery.


    On the surface, home delivery seemed to incur an additional expense for Lin, but this rtively small cost could firmly keep these people in his grasp.


    "79 bucks, it looks like it''s almost a giveaway..." Ferrall whispered, shaking his head. He turned to Lin Qi and asked. "How much did you lose?"


    "Lose?" Lin Qi''s eyes carried a hint of amusement. "I made at least ten bucks on this thing."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


    Please do not delete thisHow to find a list of chaptersPlease find the chapterbel next to your favorite trantor''s name, and click thebel.

 Chapter 91:

    Chapter 91:


    In just a week, Wood had developed a certain level of rapport with everyone here. To befriend others, one must not be too foolish, yet not too shrewd either.


    If one was too foolish, they may be a tool easily exploited by others. One should not be too foolish, as people generally did not like to be friends with someone overly foolish. Even if such people managed to get friends, it may not necessarily be a genuine friendship.


    At the same time, one should not be too shrewd. In essence, people were selfish, and the tendency to take advantage of others was amon trait in society. While there may indeed be noble and upright individuals in this world, the majority were ordinary people.


    Ordinary individuals tended to seek advantages for themselves but disliked being taken advantage of by others.


    Wood managed this bnce well. Richard, along with a few others, always delegated the dirtiest and most tiring tasks to him. After some initial reluctance, Wood would eventually take on the responsibilities, sometimes even pushing back a little. Overall, he met the standards people had for friends and became everyone''s good friend.


    Lately, Richard had been frequently sharing legendary stories about wealthy individuals. He talked about someone who used to sell onions before bing a tycoon, another person who worked as a salesman in a store before bing rich, and how they seized opportunities to rise to prominence. Beyond these tales, Richard often boasted about his ssic coboration with Lin Qi, highlighting how they used to earn hundreds of bucks daily  a narrative that had truly captivated this group of young men.


    Certain statements, when heard just once, would often be brushed off as false, dismissed with a casual smile. Yet, when hearing them day after day, there would be a subtle shift in perception, a realization that perhaps not all these words were baseless, and embedded within were probably some authentic stories involving well-known personalities.


    ncing at Richard who was happily chatting with some seemingly special customers, Wood vaguely sensed a new world opening its doors to him.


    Perhaps Wood''s momentary distraction made his superior think it was rted to him. After writing a check, the superior discreetly exined why he did so to Wood  he also had a need.


    For a while now, his wife had been expressing her discontent with the outdated multifunctional stove they were still usinga type that integrated a stove with a barbecue grill underneath.


    When they bought it, both he and his wife thought the design was incredibly clever. They envisioned putting some meat in it every evening, so that by the time dinner was ready, the meat on the grill would be perfectly cooked too.


    However, reality hit them hard. Firstly, the barbecue space in this multifunctional stove was too small. Not to mention a turkey, even a regr chicken couldn''t fit in there.


    It was also too short; sometimes, when grilling fish, they had to cut it into three or four pieces and cook them separately.


    What further frustrated them was that when they needed to use the darn grill to warm up some pancakes, they had to turn on the gas burners, igniting at least two stovetops at once.


    And that was not all; this cursed stove would automatically shut off if left burning empty for more than a minute. They had to ce a pot with something in it on the stove to prevent some kind of gravity-sensitive feature from triggering the shut-off switch.


    In other words, if they wanted to warm up a pancake, they had to use two pots filled with water on the stovetop. They had to watch the water boil for some time before finally enjoying a piece of warm pancake after it had been heated!


    As for those charcoal ovens that required outdoor use, they were only suitable if they wanted to set off the fire rm.


    Wood didn''t fully absorb the words of his superior. His mind was consumed by a single thought, a voice echoing that he had just stood there, done nothing, and earned over four bucks.


    Looking at Richard, who was happily talking to clients, Wood furrowed his brows, feeling both puzzled and glimpsing something unclear. He needed more time to figure it out.


    As the first stage of the auction continued, people began realizing the importance of acting quickly. Even a moment''s hesitation could result in someone else snatching away the opportunity. This was why Lin Qi arranged for the auction to be in the first stage, amplifying the impulsive nature of buying even further!


    Most items in this stage were still in demand, so there was no worry about not selling them. Coupled with prices far below market rates, selling them off was very easy.


    The entire first stage unexpectedly had no items left unsold, leaving the witnessing journalists in awe. Even Ferrell, with his mouth agape, couldn''t believe it. He already had a feeling that Lin Qi was about to be famous again, and this time, it wasn''t a bad thing; it was a good thing.


    The second stage began, and the first auction item immediately caused a sensation throughout the entire venue!


    At first, people were not aware of how crazy they would be in a few minutes. The host was introducing to them an apartment located near the city center, an apartment facing away from the sun on amercial street.


    This type of apartment had a drawback  itcked sunlight, with only two hours in the morning tote morning and a continuous sunshine period from 4 pm to 5:30 pm in the afternoon. It might be dim, possibly a bit damp, but that didn''t matter. It was an apartment worth thirty-two thousand bucks, the price itst sold for.


    Everyone present showed no interest in this auction item. If they could casually put forward thirty-two thousand bucks, no, even just two thousand bucks, they wouldn''t be sitting here waiting to im a belt that might only be worth three to five bucks after the event.


    However, when the host, sounding surprised to the point of being off-key, announced the starting bid price for the apartment, the entire venue instantly burst into excitement.


    "One buck!" The host waved the small card with excitement, and although no one could see what was written on it from such a distance, the crowd could feel his emotions. "One buck, friends! The starting bid for this apartment with full ownership is only one buck!"


    Before this, he had exined the bidding process for the second stage, so no one believed they would be able to actually buy the apartment for one buck. Yet, that didn''t stop people from shouting out prices one after another. This was where Richard and others came into y. They also had a microphone in their hands, so when those sitting in their seats started bidding, they could help amplify the voices to make it audible to the entire audience.


    Starting from one buck, the price skyrocketed, reaching three thousand, four thousand, five thousand... It slowed down only after crossing the ten thousand mark.


    But sometimes, things were just like that. Everyone realized there was a huge ''profit'' involved. If they could buy this apartment for ten thousand bucks, even if they wouldn''t be able to sell it for thirty-two thousand bucks, they would still be able to sell it for twenty thousand bucks easily.


    With a profit of thousands of bucks at the flip of a hand, the vast majority of people sitting here had never encountered such a simple opportunity to gain wealth in their entire lives. This fact made them reluctant to give up, even if they were already trying their best.


    In fact, since they joined this game, they could no longer stop it.


    At this moment, someone handed a card to the host. After reading it and ncing at Lin Qi standing calmly in the distance, the host rekindled the crowd''s excitement.


    He announced that Gettnau Financial was willing to ept a mortgage loan at fifty percent of the final transaction price for this property. If thest bidder shouted twenty thousand but only had ten thousand, there was no need to worry. They could borrow ten thousand from Gettnau Financial to cover the cost. After selling the property and repaying the loan, they''d still make a profit.


    This held a deadly allure for many. Indeed, the bidding, which stopped at just over twelve thousand, quickly soared to over twenty-four thousand, leaving less than eight thousand before reaching its peak.


    Li Qi''s face bore a hint of a smile. The second-hand property market in Sabin City had remained lukewarm, no longer reflecting the bustling economy of previous years when everyone desired to move into the city.


    Transactions for properties in some areas had seen a significant decline, although properties in central locations continued to appreciate.


    This particr apartment was traded for thirty-two thousand, yet Lin Qi had acquired it for only twenty-one thousand five hundred.


    In just a short while, he had already earned twelve hundred and fifty bucks, and another twelve hundred and fifty bucks... His gaze fixated on a young man named Wood.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 92:

    Chapter 92:


    Profits were enticing, but legal windfalls were even more captivating. With a profit of thousands of bucks at the flip of a hand, some may resist participating at the beginning, holding onto their principles. However, when everyone began to go crazy for the sake of gains, some people''s positions would start to waver gradually.


    Watching others enjoy the benefits was not a pleasant experience. People would most likely enter a restaurant they were not familiar with for two main reasons: the enticing aroma wafting from within or the tempting images of food in the advertisements stered on the windows. Simrly, with interests, witnessing others join the wealth feast could be ufortable. People would convince themselves that they would also be able to obtain the same benefits if they just reached out their hands.


    The escting prices heated up the atmosphere, and the final price for the apartment settled at twenty-seven thousand seven hundred and fifty bucks, two thousand more than Lin Qi''s estimate. He initially thought that pushing it to around twenty-five thousand bucks was the limit. After all, the audience at this second-hand goods auction wasn''t the middle ss; here, ny-nine percent were poor people, some of whom might not even have two thousand bucks in savings. However, they surprised Lin Qi.


    What surprised him even more was Wood''s reaction. With a flushed face, he left his seat and ran over to Richard uncontrobly. The two lowered their heads and had a brief conversation, with Richard even giving him a punch, followed by putting his arm around Wood''s neck and vigorously messing up his hair.


    Grinning with his teeth showing, Wood, this promising young man, clearly wasn''t upset by Richard''s actions. It seemed they had a good rtionship


    A profit of six thousand seven hundred and twenty bucks; Lin Qi had promised to split it evenly with him. In other words, Wood earned three thousand three hundred and sixty bucks by just sitting there and shouting a few words into the microphone. Combined with some previous bonuses, he had earned more in a day than half a year''s worth of sry as an undercover agent.


    This was just one auction in the middle of the month, and there would be four such auctions every month. He didn''t dare to hope that he would be as lucky in every one of them, but he believed that even if he wasn''t as lucky in other auctions, there would still be some profit.


    It turned out Richard''s words were true. He just wanted to share his joy with everyone and, incidentally, show off.


    Finally, he looked up and saw Lin Qi. His excited expression calmed down slightly. He just realized he wasn''t a real salesperson; he was here undercover.


    This prompted him to rein in his emotions, and he slightly bowed to Lin Qi, who responded with an encouraging smile.


    During this time, Ferrall was also chatting with Lin Qi. When he learned that Lin Qi promised the salespeople to split half of the profits on the profit-generating product, he could hardly believe his ears.


    "That young man looks ecstatic. Can you reveal how much money he made with this deal?" Ferrall also noticed Wood''s reaction; the young man''s excited reaction made him very curious.


    Lin Qi nced at him, smiling, "A little over three thousand bucks."


    "Three..." Ferrall took in a sharp breath. Over three thousand bucks for one deal. "Don''t you think you''re being too generous? Three to five hundred would have been enough for him to appreciate your generosity. Why give him so much?"


    This was not a polite remark; it was Ferrall''s genuine opinion. He wanted to understand what kind of person Lin Qi truly was to maintain long-term cooperation.


    This was a good opportunity to deepen their understanding of each other, so Lin Qi didn''t hide anything. "I once met someone who told me that when you try to keep all the benefits to yourself, even your brothers will leave you." He slowly turned his head towards Ferrell, his eyes showing no fluctuation or sparkle, remaining as steady as a rock.


    "But if you''re willing to share your sess with others, everyone will treat you like their biological brother. Wealth gathered in your hands may make others leave due to unmet interests, but when you are willing to share a portion of that wealth, they will erupt with unprecedented motivation. We are not in a superior-subordinate rtionship; we are partners."


    If Wood heard this sentence, he would definitely cheer in excitement, finally convinced that Richard was telling the truth. However, Lin Qi had many more things left unsaid.


    This was a rtivelyplex game. Once people joined in, it would be very difficult for them to leave. As they continued to rake in a substantial amount of money, the challenge of returning to a normal life would only grow more daunting.


    Take Richard, for example. After Lin Qi stopped his coin-exchanging business, Richard preferred lying in bed at home rather than finding a regr job outside. Once people like him left Lin Qi, they would lose their passion for life. It was only with Lin Qi that they could radiate the miracles of life.


    Moreover, Lin Qi had more tricks and moves waiting for them.


    Taking back his gaze, Lin Qi hinted, "In fact, looking at it from a different perspective, one could say that I took away the wealth they earned; it''s all rtive."


    "I am a generous person, Mr. Consultant. You''lle to understand that in the future."


    A t and a profit of thousands on paper were enough to set the entire scene abuzz with excitement. The following items mainly included some used cars and otherrge items.


    The prices of these items were not cheap. One particr item, a used washing machine priced at 3,999 bucks, surprisingly sold for a high price of 2,050 bucks. This item was actually brought back by Lin Qi from Mr. Fox''s warehouse as an afterthought, not expecting it to sell for so much.


    The buyer was actually not a fool either. In the lower-middle-ss neighborhoods, theundromat was an essential part of life. Previously, one could wash all their clothes for 25 cents, but sinceundromats started charging per pound, 25 cents would only cover a few pieces. If the buyermercialized the washing machine, washing all clothes for 50 cents, their neighbors would surely be delighted to be friends with them.


    Richard, with his unique talent and keen sense, was the one who facilitated this deal. He was a young man Lin Qi appreciated even more.


    In the second stage of the auction, the prices of the items generally maintained between 50% and 70% of their original prices. This might seem unreasonable, but the prices achieved in trade fairs and auctions were never rational.


    As long as there waspetition and a vibrant atmosphere, individuals would often unveil aspects of themselves they didn''t know existed.


    As the third stage began after a ten-minute break, the host maintained his energetic state and introduced the auction. If a regr auction involved setting a starting price and continuously raising bids, with the highest bidder winning, then the third stage operated in the entirely opposite manner.


    Each item started with its original store price, and during the process, the host would continuously lower the price until someone was tempted to raise their hand.


    This was still a fixed-price rush auction, but without the participant calling out prices. As the host put it, it required speed, precision, and no hesitation.


    Perhaps just in the blink of an eye, an opportunity could slip away.


    "In the third stage, the first item we are auctioning is a set of ivory and sterling silver cutlery. Let''s first take a closer look at it..." Soon, people saw these items, including erged copies of promotional posters, enough for even those in thest row to get a glimpse of them.


    "The price of this tableware in the store is 3,899 bucks. When your friends and familye to your house, bringing out this set of tableware will surely make everyone jealous..."


    After promoting it as a tool for sess in life, the host began the unprecedented shouting of prices.


    "3,899. Any takers at this incredible price?""No takers? Alright, let me sweeten the deal. How about a special discount? I''m willing to drop the price to 3,600! That''s three hundred reduced in price. What do you say?"


    "Good, it seems everyone understands this bidding method now. 3,400..."


    "3,150!"


    "2,980..."


    As the prices got lower, the initially quiet crowd began to stir. An item approaching four thousand bucks was now priced at two thousand two hundred bucks. Although this price was still rtively high, it had already made some peoplepletely understand the rules. Sometimes people''s thoughts were quite simple; as long as everyone refrained from raising their hands, ultimately, that thing would only be worth a buck.


    But if people were that simple, Lin Qi wouldn''t have put this discounted bidding method in the third stage.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 93:

    Chapter 93:


    Three different auction methods were arranged in order, and there were actually many purposes and clear objectives within them.


    The first stage auction involved essential items for daily life. Even if these items were second-hand, they still had high practical value. As long as the pricing was reasonable, people would ept them. However, its auction rule was a rush-to-bid format, whoever raised their hand first would take ownership. This kind of bidding method greatly catalyzed unnecessary impulsiveness among people. It was possible that they hadn''t even thought about whether they needed the item, yet in this atmosphere, they would still hastily raise their hands.


    Except for the first person who sessfully raised their hand, all other people''s attempts would end in failure. This would instill in people a subconscious notion that if they liked something, they must raise their hand at the earliest moment.


    The bidding auction''s second stage served as a subtle indicator for participants, giving them a practical understanding of the fair market value of second-hand items in rtion to their original prices. It was a way to inform and guide them in determining what could be considered a reasonable price.


    Everyone had a mental benchmark, and when the concept of a reasonable price within the fifty to seventy percent range took root in their minds, they would gain a rough idea of how much a second-hand item should be sold for.


    With the help of the triggered impulse to make a purchase andbined with a clear understanding of pricing, the third stage of the auction became a unique focal point.


    Lin Qi didn''t even need to instruct people to tell them; they''d already started estimating the value of these goods in their minds. Even if they didn''t intend to buy, they''d still make an estimation. It was a real-time habitual thinking behavior.


    When the price of a product fell below a certain range, a valve would open, and the impulse to consume would continually rise in the face of unexpectedly high returns.


    Indeed, this auction model was simr to the second stage, where if someone bade, and others didn''t, an apartment might be traded for as low as ten bucks.


    In the third stage, as long as everyone refrained from raising their hands, the product would eventually drop to one buck, and then everyone wouldpete for the opportunity.


    But the intricacy of human nature resided in its unpredictability and inherent self-interest. This essence was at the heart of Lin Qi''s auction for second-hand goods  a space where selfish motives came into y.


    When the price met people''s expectations, panic would set in, and they would be uneasy. They would fear someone might suddenly raise their hand and take away the item, leading them to hesitate.


    If someone raised their hand during this process and caused others to fail, they would instinctively raise their estimated value of the final transaction price of an item. Increasing it by around five percent was a reasonable figure.


    Moreover, the crucial aspect was that the products in the third stage auction were all brand new and unused. This further stimted people''s desire to buy these seemingly unnecessary items.


    Guided by the first two auction stages, the third stage became the real profitable stage. All these were somewhat shy but impractical, challenging to sell in a real second-hand transaction. Yet here, in the present, they became highly sought after.With the fall of the first item''s gavel, the second item quickly followed, with the price range slightly higher than the first item''s closing price. Most items afterward followed a simr pattern, below fifty percent.


    With the exception of a very few items that truly held little significance, and were only sold off after a more than seventy percent price drop, the rest maintained a range of fifty-five to sixty percent of the original value.


    Seeing this, Lin Qi knew his auction had been sessful. The massive transaction amount and sales volume would attract society''s attention. Even without much effort in promotion, next Saturday''s auction here would still draw a huge crowd.


    Curiosity was a characteristic of intelligent beings, and people would want to see for themselves what kind of auction could drive people crazy.


    Originally nned to end at six in the evening, the auction dragged on until past seven. In Sabin Federation, the nights went darkter during daylight saving time. Of course, to ensure that people could see the products clearly, Lin Qi also borrowed some high-powered lighting from the warehouse managementpany.


    The host, under the re of the lights, held on for just a short while before tears welled up. Thankfully, he persevered until the end, and Lin Qi even tossed in an extra two hundred bucks aspensation for the overtime.


    After one thousand belts were given away, the auction concluded sessfully.


    The onsite cleanup was handed over to the warehouse managementpany, as they were paid for professional services. Lin Qi then brought everyone back to his office.


    Vera was also present at the scene today, not alone. Two ountants, a man and a woman of simr age to her, hadpiled all the sales data of the day.


    In just one afternoon, over four hundred and ny thousand worth of second-hand goods were sold, falling short of five hundred thousand. This figure shocked everyone; they never thought second-hand goods could create such significant economic value.


    Lin Qi just nodded indifferently, slightly disappointed it didn''t exceed five hundred thousand, but overall, he was satisfied.


    With a slight cough, all eyes instantly focused on Lin Qi. He was aware of the intense thoughts behind those gazes and didn''t tease them. He went straight to the point, saying, "Today is a very sessful day. I won''t waste your time with unnecessary words. Let''s move on to the distribution of earnings."


    He nced through the forms in his hand, "Let''s establish an office emergency fund. Any fractional amounts in the future will be filled into this fund to deal with unforeseen circumstances..."


    Since everyone benefited, there was no opposition. The proposal passed.


    "Four hundred and ny thousand, deducting ten percent management fees, leaves us with four hundred and forty-one thousand bucks. How much did we spend to acquire these goods?" Lin Qi looked at Vera. Although it was on the forms, he needed someone to say it, not himself.


    Vera quickly reported a figure, "Three hundred and twenty-two thousand four hundred seventy-nine bucks and fifty cents."


    Lin Qi nodded, "Deducting these costs, we made a profit...," he furrowed his brow and calcted, "around one hundred and twenty thousand. After we split it in half, you guys will receive approximately sixty thousand in rewards today, gentlemen!"


    All the young men instantly lit up with excitement. Lin Qi smiled and directed Vera and the others to get the ounts in order for these people, and then proceed with the payouts.


    Wood, along with all the young people, finally felt the reason why Richard, like a zealot, touted Lin Qi. He was indeed a legend, a legend capable of creating wealth miracles.


    There were seventeen people and sixty thousand bucks in reward. Even if they split it evenly, each person could still get a few thousand bucks, which was a substantial amount.


    If they worked in an ordinary factory or somepanies, it might take them a year to earn this much. However, here, in just a little over a week since joining Lin Qi''s team, they earned the kind of money others needed a year of hard work for.


    This tremendous surprise, coupled with a sense of uncertainty, made each of them flush with excitement. They enthusiastically discussed the events of the auction, while Lin Qi sat on the side, watching.


    After about fifteen minutes, Vera handed the forms to Lin Qi. After thanking her, he asked everyone to stay behind; he would treat them to a good mealter.


    Lin Qi took a quick nce at the form, a slight smile forming at the corner of his mouth. He then passed the sheet to the others.


    Before seeing this sheet, almost everyone thought the sales champion for this auction would be Wood. After all, he sold an apartment. But some believed it might be Richard, who had incited many to buy expensive items.


    However, to everyone''s surprise, the sales champion for this auction was actually the group of kids. Their presence here was so weak that it was almost nonexistent.


    Even the kids themselves couldn''t believe the figures on the sheet. They didn''t do much, just distributed flyers.


    They didn''t incite customers to fiercelypete like Richard did, nor did they have Wood''s luck, but how did they manage to be sales champions?Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 94:

    Chapter 94:


    Where there was joy, there would certainly be sorrow. Regardless of whether these people believed Lin Qi had deceived them before, at least now they had seen a part of the truth.


    Money  there was nothing more real than money. Some held a few hundred bucks, yet their eyes were fixed on others who had more.


    In reality, their approach was rather indifferent. Prior to understanding the actual wonders of this job, their attitude remained quite nonchnt. They hadn''t even entertained the idea ofmitting to a long-term engagement here; their primary interesty in witnessing the results after the initial auction before making any decisions.


    Now, they regretted theirxity over the past week. This regret only manifested in the face of significant profits. Simultaneously, they nned to work harder, aiming to stand out in the next trading event.


    In the spotlight, several twelve or thirteen-year-old newspaper boys received a considerablemission from Lin Qi. Their contributions almost equaled the sum of ten other individualsbined.


    They themselves were unaware of the wealth myth they were creating. They simply followed Lin Qi''s instructions to distribute flyers to those who needed them. No one even thought they had the potential to earn amission; it was just a job.


    In fact, these children had advantages over Richard and others. Firstly, they roamed the streets all day, and although they may not have realized it, they knew how to assess a person''s worth by their attire.


    The second advantage was their wide coverage. They were not individuals; they were a group. They could make more high-quality "resources" see the flyers and, at the same time, maximize the screening of potential customers.


    Richard and others didn''t lose to a group; they lost to these individuals within the group. The children couldn''t strictly be considered winners either. If the money were divided equally among them, their ie would instantly fall to the lower-middle ss.


    Lin Qi smiled as he watched the children excitedly whispering with flushed faces in a secluded spot away from the others. He observed the crowd centered around Richard, singing praises and offering ttery. He nced at Wood standing behind Richard, smiling as he observed it all. It was like a moment captured from a miniature society.


    Lin Qi''s promise was fulfilled. With just the first trading event, enormous profits were generated. He didn''t need to subsidize those people himself; at least five people could potentially receivemissions of over ten thousand bucks by the end of the month.


    This massive ie made everyone''s eyes turn red. In Sabin City, where the average wage was just over two hundred, earning over ten thousand in a month was unimaginable.


    Ten thousand was roughly the total sum of various funds in a family for seven or eight years. Yet, they earned it in just one month. They could already proudly tell others they stood at the forefront of Sabin City''s monthly ie, at least in the ss working for others.


    Lin Qi waited for their emotions to calm down a bit before tempering their enthusiasm, "This is a promising beginning, but it''s important to note that not every event will generate the same level of transaction volume as today. People tend to be drawn to novelty, and the intense atmosphere won''t be sustained for long."


    This statement was not just a casual remark; the economic downturn would persist for a considerable period. In the future, many households wouldpletely abandon any ns for personal purchases, not even considering second-hand goods, and transaction volumes would gradually decline.


    Fortunately, Sabin had a poption of eight hundred thousand, approximately one hundred fifty to two hundred thousand households. Given that not all of them were struggling financially, the practice of trading second-hand goods would persist. However, it would be challenging to replicate the remarkable results seen today..


    This was also why Lin Qi initially expanded this n to cover the entire state. One city couldn''t sustain his ambitions; he had to drag the entire state into his n to obtain what he desired: wealth, fame, status, and authority.


    In the room, people became slightly calm after hearing this. Richard also put away his smile. He had just savored the immense profits he had enjoyed not long ago, even more staggering, but now Lin Qi''s words immediately dispelled the waves of excitement in his mind.


    Engaging in daily conversations with various people, talking a bit about aplishments, and then making money just by sitting there others even had to thank him for providing them with opportunities. He was starting to get addicted to this life, although it had only been a few days.


    Seeing everyone calm down, Lin Qi nodded in satisfaction and beckoned to Richard. While looking down at the list he was holding in his hand, he said, "From elementary school to entering society, we all know that in this world, there are not only rewards but also punishments." These words suddenly made the atmosphere in the room heavy, and no one knew what Lin Qi meant.


    After finishing looking at the list and handing it to Vera, Lin Qi turned back to the others, "It''s the same in this ce. We are racing against time. I cannot waste limited resources on some of you."


    "I heard that some of you did not go out to work in the first three or four days. Only in thest two days did you start getting into your roles. Perhaps our views on work and life are different."


    "I won''t force you to agree with my values, nor will I try to understand your values. Out of seventeen people, thest five are eliminated. You can pack up and go home."


    Lin Qi had mentioned this elimination system from the beginning. At that time, no one cared, and many even forgot about it because, in the eyes of many, they were leaving after a week, and whether there was elimination or not didn''t matter.


    However, when they saw themission of newspaper boys, Richard, and Wood, these people didn''t want to leave anymore.


    To put it bluntly, even if they did nothing here, they could still earn a few hundred to a few thousand in a month. So why would they leave?


    However, Lin Qi''s words directly plunged them into despair. The guy who was pleased with his 400 bucks didn''t even manage to hold onto the money; he was left dumbfounded.


    Soon, the two groups were separated into three. The children remained independent, standing a little farther behind Lin Qi, watching what was happening. They had a somewhat aloof feeling. This was also the reason why Wood was initially puzzled about the rtionship between these children and Lin Qi. Their rtionship didn''t seem much like that of employees and a boss.


    The second group consisted of Richard, Wood, and the other twelve remaining salesmen. Although the elimination system made them feel the urgency, it also gave them a sense of superiority. They coldly watched those who were brothers just a minute ago.


    The third group had strange expressions. Some wore sad faces, some were regretful, some were panicked, and some were angry. They all looked at Lin Qi, saying what they wanted to say, hoping to salvage the opportunity.


    Faced with their pleas or anger, Lin Qi didn''t immediately respond. He just looked at them, waited for about three to five minutes until everyone felt that nothing could change, then Lin Qi suddenly spoke.


    "I can actually give you a chance, or you could say there''s still an opportunity for you to redeem this job."


    "Starting from the next trading event, I will fix the total number of auction seats. Richard..." He looked at Richard, who responded with "yes, boss" before standing up. Lin Qi looked at him and said, "You guys, including the children, will get one hundred auction seats for free. The number of seats remains the same, and it''s free."


    "You..." He withdrew his gaze and looked at these people in front of him. "Five bucks per seat, valid only once. This is your punishment, but also your opportunity."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 95:

    Chapter 95:


    The moment Lin Qi announced the auction seats that could be purchased with money, Richard wanted to say something. However, before he could speak, Lin Qi stopped him with a single nce.


    This was another part of Lin Qi''s ie in this n. How could one expect to make big money without taking any risks? In this world, there was no love without reason, especially for someone like Lin Qi, who took all the risks upon himself, leaving the benefits for others. From the beginning, one of his goals was to sell these seats.


    Even for people like Richard, their free seats would gradually be canceled. There was no such thing as making money without putting in any effort. Working in a factory might have less risk, but the earnings were also lower. Risk and reward were directly proportionalhigher risks would lead to higher returns. Of course, sometimes risk was not just about the increase or decrease of wealth.


    This time, the children achieving the top salesmission was intentional on Lin Qi''s part. Perhaps only Richard understood why the children secured the top spotit was because they had more seats.


    Seats represented potential, and the more seats one had, the greater the potential. It was a simple process of quantitative change. If one person out of ten was willing to buy something, then in a hundred people, there would be ten buyers. In two hundred people, there would be twenty buyers. The spending power of twenty people might not necessarily be higher than that of ten people, but it certainly wouldn''t be lower.


    After some people calmed down, they might start considering the risk and possibly withdraw. However, Lin Qi gave them some hopeif they could get into the top three, with less than ten thousand inmission, he would make up the difference and give them ten thousand!


    This added a different perspective for these people. Even if theirmission couldn''t exceed ten thousand, as long as it was higher than others, Lin Qi would make up the difference. In other words, they would spend nine thousand for the auction, and if they could be in the top three, they would still have a one-thousand profit!


    It was a simple calction that everyone could understand. Yes, everyone!


    This was one of Lin Qi''s goals. There were a total of fourteen cities in the entire state, some bigger and some smaller. Assuming each city had around three thousand seats on average, there would be a total of forty-two thousand seats in fourteen cities.


    At five bucks per seat, Lin Qi''s weekly ie would be around two hundred thousand, just from the seat fees alone. These salespeople were unlikely to sit idly; as long as someone stirred things up, Lin Qi''s ie would increase significantly. He would introduce some extravagant, high-priced items in each session specifically for these scheming salespeoplea special tool to help thempete for the top three in their regions.


    With a seat fee of two hundred thousand per week and additional ie and bonuses outside themission, these people could provide him with at least one million in monthly ie!


    Was this his entire n? No, far from it!


    After throwing out a question, Lin Qi gave them some time to think, then invited everyone to celebrate together.


    Except for two people who lost their free seats and left, everyone else, including Vera and her two ountants, went with Lin Qi to a decent hotel in Sabin city.


    Various sumptuous and exquisite dishes were continuously ced on the table. Lin Qi had already arranged with the hotel in advance, and the dinner was held in a format simr to a cocktail party.


    They even opened a small conference hall specifically for Lin Qi, and three songs were offered for freethere was a dedicated band in the hotel. After three songs, there would be a charge, but Lin Qi didn''t hesitate to spend the money. He wanted these people to experience the intoxication of luxury!


    The long tables on both sides were filled with various foods, the band was performing on stage, and a local mezzo-soprano singer with a captivating voice was singing soothing songs. Lin Qi also arranged services with an talent agency.


    Just when everyone was enjoying everything and thought that was all, Lin Qi showed them something they usually couldn''t see.


    Models in revealing attire suddenly appeared, the mezzo-soprano singer smiled and left, reced by a younger girl singing popr songs.


    Lin Qi walked onto the stage, embracing two girls in revealing outfits, holding two bottles of champagne. When he stood in front of the microphone, he raised the champagne and poured it over the girls'' heads and bodies.


    They, aside from experiencing a bit of initial surprise, quickly recovered and, even amidst the spill of drinks, began to sway their bodies and dance. The atmosphere in the conference hall suddenly became lively.


    Immediately after, on both sides behind him, fans started spinning, and staff members continuously threw bundles of banknotes into the air blowers. The bills twirled and scattered everywhere, causing everyone to collectively hold their breath in that moment!


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the party has begun!"


    Food, alcohol, wealth, hormoneseveryone was immersed in it!


    After a very brief pause, everyone started going crazy!


    ...


    Lin Qi squeezed out of a group of girls with difficulty. This was the first time he demonstrated how to celebrate after making money for everyone. Anyway, since making money was so easy, these people would soon learn it.


    Lin Qi cannot expect someone who adhered to social morals to be an aplice in his quest for wealth, but these individuals could. Gradually, they would lose themselves in the pursuit of money, bing tools for him to make a profit.


    In less than ten minutes, the young models sent by the entertainmentpany taught these young people how to enjoy themselves.


    Lin Qi escorted the two girls outone was Vera, and the other was the girl who came with Vera. "Sorry for not notifying you in advance..."


    He apologized for his behavior, as the sight of the crazed people inside was indeed somewhat unseemly. Vera blushed but assured him it was okay, and the girl also expressed understanding.


    The girl looked at Lin Qi with a somewhat special expression. She originally thought this was just an ordinary job, but it seemed not.


    Later, Lin Qi took them to the restaurant in the hotel for a sumptuous dinner, arranged for a vehicle to send them back, and he stayed back to clean up the aftermath.


    Just as Vera got into the car and the vehicle started to leave, she suddenly asked Lin Qi a question, her face a bit flushed but also angry. "Do bigpanies celebrate like this too?"


    Lin Qi nodded, "They''re even crazier..." Saying that, he whispered something in Vera''s ear, causing her to cover her face and withdraw from the window. After a brief moment of eye contact, Lin Qi said his goodbyes once more, and the car swiftly vanished into the flow of traffic.


    When Lin Qi returned to the small conference hall, the hall was filled with a strange smell. Some people seemed to be in some kind of pain, yet they were moaning, seemingly in pleasure. Some girls'' clothes had flown off to who knew where, and they were kneeling on the ground, picking up the scattered bills bit by bit. They paid no attention to their appearance, seemingly unconcerned about how unseemly they might look.


    The only ones who seemed out of ce were the children. They were still eating, and some were packing food into bags.


    When they noticed Lin Qi''s arrival, they were frightened. Several children held tes with steaks and didn''t know what to do. Lin Qi smiled, waved to them, and led them to the lounge... no, the VIP room.


    When he opened the lounge, there were already people inside. So he took the children to the VIP room.


    In the VIP room, he looked at the children, nodded, and asked a question. "Were you sent by your parents, or are you from an orphanage?"


    "Some were sent by their parents, but more are from orphanages," replied the oldest child.


    Those sent by parents to work as childbor were the minority. Apart from step-parents and families struggling to survive, ordinary people wouldn''t do that. The children in the hands of News Heads mainly came from variousrge welfare institutions.


    Lin Qi nodded again. "If I apply to be your guardian, would you agree?"


    He sat back with his legs crossed. "You don''t need to call me father or dad. I''m just your boss. This way, it can save you the money you would give to the welfare institutions. It will also give you more autonomy. What do you think?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/


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 Chapter 96:

    Chapter 96:


    Childbor posed a grave concern within the Baylor Federation. In response, the federation implemented child protectionws, prohibiting the engagement of individuals under fourteen inbor. Moreover, specific physically demanding roles, particrly those involving hazardous materials, were off-limits for individuals below the age of eighteen.


    Those newsboys appeared to be around twelve to fourteen years old, essentially falling into the category of illegal childbor.


    To bypass the protectionws, their previous form of employment was to be sent from the orphanage to stay at News Head''s ce as boarders, not child workers. In return, News Heads would provide some financialpensation to the orphanages.


    Many were aware of these practices, but few were willing to expose these societal issues, and as long as these issues remained hidden, both the users of childbor and the orphanages could continue benefiting from their mutual connections.


    Despite the hardships that defined the children''s lives, they wereying the foundation for their future. Given that they would depart the orphanage around the age of sixteen, it became crucial to immerse them in society early and impart practical life skills.


    However, once these issues were exposed, the entire illegal childbor industry woulde to a halt. The first to copse would be the major orphanages. If their finances crumbled due to the exposure, arge number of elderly and children would be left unattended and uncared for, and eventually, the local municipal government would have to clean up the mess.


    Sometimes, society turning a blind eye to certain issues was not due to inaction but because the current approach was deemed the best option.


    But Lin Qi and News Heads were different. People could tolerate News Heads using childbor, but they wouldn''t tolerate a "big capitalist" doing the same. This was probably because, in the eyes of the majority, News Heads weren''t doing as well as an ordinary person, while a capitalist''s life was considered superior.


    People would instinctively sympathise with groups weaker than themselves and, at the same time, harbored resentment toward more powerful groups. While they previously had limited ways to advocate for themselves, now they could at least voice their version of justice through the media.


    From this emerged two issues. The first issue was Lin Qi''s illegal use of childbor. As long as no one reported him, he wouldn''t face any problems. However, if someone did report the illegal use of childbor, he might encounterplex legal troubles. Suchwsuits would not only take a considerable amount of time but also generate significant negative repercussions in society.


    Undoubtedly, as he expanded at an elerating pace, more and more forces would turn their attention toward him and scrutinize him. Some would be from spontaneous actions by civilians, such as zealous journalists driven by a sense of justice. Some woulde frompetitors, as in this world, there was no one who wished for their demise more than theirpetitors. Some scrutiny would alsoe from various federal government departments as Lin Qi was now a public figure, and there would be attempts to find faults in him.


    The second issue arose from the fact that those childrencked the necessary qualifications for employment; paradoxically, they still managed to contribute to actual profits. In such a scenario, how should Lin Qi handle their sries? Giving them wages could solidify the usation of illegal childbor, yet withholding payment would also raise suspicions even if it was meticulously documented in the books.


    Because the foundation of this employment rtionship itself was wed and problematic, no amount of concealment could change the nature of the matter. However, adopting these children would make a difference. Lin Qi could pay taxes for them and then distribute the money to the children in the form of pocket money. Even if used of exploiting childbor, he wouldn''t be afraid.


    He only permitted fourteen-year-old children to undertake tasks like distributing flyers or gathering information, which were considered eptable types of jobs. Younger individuals could either return to school for education or participate in behind-the-scenes tasks. As long as they avoided drawing attention, there shouldn''t be any problems.


    Considering various factors, he also needed a team of his own. Adopting these children seemed to be a strategic move. In three to five years, they could be his most crucial support.


    When Lin Qi came out of the VIP room, he unexpectedly nced at Wood sitting in the distance. He had a good impression of Wood, a young man with good luck; the individuals he brought frequently bid at the auction today, providing him with a significant advantage.


    If not for the two hundred seats assigned to the newsboys clearly outnumbering those of Richard and Wood, Wood would''ve undoubtedly been the winner today, with Richard in second.


    Lin Qi had a good impression of Wooda young man who could endure unfair treatment. Such a trait wasn''t unusual in middle-aged or elderly individuals, as they had moved beyond the impetuousness of youth. However, it was exceptionally rare in younger people.


    At an age when many would question authority and prioritise self-worth, Wood managed to remainposed. Lin Qi believed that, as long as he stayed on course, Wood would undoubtedly be a significant figure in the future.


    Seeing Wood sitting alone without much involvement, Lin Qi thought he might be too green. As his boss, he felt obligated to make his employee happy whenever possible. So, he picked up the microphone, pointed at Wood, and waved a stack of bills.


    The sound of the bills swaying in the air attracted many people. Lin Qi, with a half-smile, said, "Whoever can make him happy, the money in my hand is theirs!"


    The eyes of the girls without malepanions around them suddenly lit up. In Lin Qi''s hands were bills, all in denominations of twenty bucks, at least a few hundred or even over a thousand in total. This was much more than themission theirpany provided them for their work, and it was an "extra" personal ie.


    Immediately, some girls enthusiastically rushed over. Lin Qi sat on a chair at the edge of the stage, smiling as he watched Wood deal with the girls, a mix of awkwardness, helplessness, and resignation evident in his expressions.


    In less than a minute, with a tearing sound, his sleeve was torn apart. After a brief pause, the girls no longer held back; soon, Lin Qi wasughing as he watched Wood cry out for help. Eventually, his cries gradually faded away,pletely blending into the atmosphere.


    When it was time to work hard, one should give it their all; when it was time to rx, one should do so wholeheartedly. Only by fully enjoying oneself could one refocus all their energy into their work.


    An hourter, whether it was Lin Qi''s subordinates or the girls sent by the talent agency, everyone was sprawled out, exhausted.


    Money, alcohol, and joy  these most stimting elements for humans were supplied limitlessly tonight. Except for Lin Qi, everyone else was drained.


    He had the front desk call the talent agency, and soon enough, personnel from the talent agency appeared on the scene. After Lin Qi settled the payment, the agency staff, like handling corpses, ced those girls on a cart and sequentially escorted them outside.


    Such talent agencies were widespread in the federation, offering not escort services but performance services. What happened during the performance was considered personal conduct, unrted to thepany.


    Federalws sometimes seemed absurd, prohibiting solicitation on one hand while allowing people to exploit legal loopholes.


    Observing the scattered young men on the floor, Lin Qi left the small conference hall. The staff would wake them up at nine the next morning.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 5 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 97:

    Chapter 97:


    Early the next morning, discussions about the Saturday second-hand goods auction became the focal point of public attention.


    Despite the economic downturn and high unemployment rates, the level of consumption did not retreat and could not retreat. This made the needs of many households perpetually relegated to ns that might never materialize.


    In fact, even in the past, in Sabin City, and throughout the entire federation, there were ces for second-hand goods transactions. In some alleys in the lower ie area, people would dispose of things stolen from elsewhere at a cheap price, with clothing being a more prevalent item.


    Antique shops often epted rtively newer second-hand goods, and besides antique shops, there were small shops specifically dealing with the recycling of used appliances and genuine pawn shops.


    However, pawn shops in the Baylor Federation were notparable to those in another world. In the Baylor Federation, pawn shops only dealt in luxury items. They had no interest in deals worth only a few bucks.


    So, the entire second-hand goods trading industry was still in a semi-deste stage, with many people yet to realize the potential wealth within. This provided Lin Qi with an opportunity to benefit.


    Therge-scale second-hand goods auction organized by Lin Qi yesterday was unprecedented in federal history, instantly capturing the attention of the public.


    The core that attracted everyone''s attention mainly consisted of two parts. The first part was that everyone wanted to find out whether Lin Qi''s second-hand goods auction truly had everything, with a wide variety and affordable prices, as reported in the newspapers. The second point of interest was the transaction amount from yesterday, which almost reached half a million!


    This sum would be taxed, and Lin Qi had no intention of hiding it. He generously provided the newspaper, including the tax authorities, with the true information, shocking the entire city of Sabin.


    In such a difficult economic time, achieving half a million in transactions in one afternoon raised questions about how much they had sold and for how much.


    Regardless of the external discussions and spections, one fact remained unaltered. Lin Qi''s Interster Trading Company, and this second-hand goods auction, suddenly became popr, bringing the city''s mayor into the spotlight as well.


    The lunch originally scheduled for the day after tomorrow was also moved forward to Sunday noon by the mayor.


    The mayor had nned to spend a happy weekend with his family. However, Lin Qi''s surprisepelled him to set aside some time at noon to deal with these matters.


    Their lunch unfolded in a discreet venue, amon feature spanning from rural areas to the heart of the federation. These spaces offered a convenient setting for individuals to engage in confidential discussions at any time and ce.


    It was a simple lunch. Lin Qi arrived ten minutes early at the agreed location, and the mayor arrived shortly after.


    The mayor, in his forties this year, had slightly graying hair, appearing somewhat worn out. His physique was somewhat chubby, not exactly fat but fuller than a normal figure. He was approximately five feet seven inches tall, not considered short in this era.


    He gave off an impression of being strict but also seemed easy-going. Introduced by Ferrall, the two exchanged pleasantries, officially acknowledging their acquaintance.


    Ferrall took the initiative to instruct the chef to prepare food for them, deliberately giving these two the space they needed.


    The mayor took out a cloth bag from his pocket containing a beautiful pipe with golden wooden patterns, giving a luxurious feel.


    "Mind if I smoke?" The mayor asked. It wasn''t until he saw Lin Qi shaking his head that he loaded the pipe with tobo and took a couple of puffs after lighting it, visibly unwinding.


    "I like this, even though some people say they''re unhealthy," he chuckled. The conversation quickly shifted from the pipe to yesterday''s events. "Today, my original n was to be with my children, but when I saw the news this morning, honestly, I was quite shocked."


    "Half a million in transactions; you might have created history." The mayor did not hold back his words of praise. After the news came out, his aides also gathered in his study to discuss the auction.


    In their eyes, a transaction amount of half a million was roughly equivalent to satisfying the material needs of at least a million thors() in the lower strata. Thor was the unit of the federal currency, and coincidentally, Thor was also the name of the person who founded the federation and served as its first president.


    People hailed him as a hero, and tomemorate this figure, after nationwide discussions, it was decided to feature his portrait on banknotes.


    People would refer to money as Thors. However, this was a more formal designation; in everyday life, nobody would rigidly say something as awkward as "one Federal Thor." They would simply refer to it as "one buck."


    A million federal thors, when evenly distributed, might not sound oundish, yet when considering yesterday afternoon''s second-hand goods auction meeting the short-term material needs of ten thousand families in Sabin City, it transformed into a rather sobering statistic.


    Through additional processing and policy guidance, it could even be said that the second-hand goods trade, championed by the municipal government and the esteemed mayor, had greatly met the aspirations and longings for a better life among the underprivileged in Sabin City, and sessfully alleviated potential social conflicts, which was undeniably a noteworthy aplishment!


    He and his aides had not anticipated that Lin Qi could do so well. It exceeded everyone''s expectations. Other matters could be dyed, but those rted to his personal interests couldn''t.


    Lin Qi expressed humility, saying, "I owe my achievements to the open market environment in Sabin City, as well as the local policies that are supportive and weing towards new initiatives. Especially, your assistance has been instrumental in this regard."


    He ttered the mayor shamelessly, making the mayor wear a more substantial smile on his face. The mayor had met plenty of shameless businessmen before. However, meeting someone like Lin Qi, who could talk in a way that made him feel like he truly was an exceptional entrepreneur, was a first for him. Suddenly, he found Lin Qi to be a fascinating individual, at least someone who knew how to articte himself very well.


    This was also the primary reason they had moved up the meeting time. The mayor aimed to present Lin Qi and his business as an aplishment driven by the local government. Such a portrayal would inevitably invite scrutiny from various quarters. Hence, maintaining consistency in statements between him and Lin Qi was crucial. This ensured that both parties could anticipate benefits and helped prevent the emergence of scandals or troubles.


    He initially thought Lin Qi, being a young person, might not be very easy to talk to. After all, young people often believed that the world would stop turning without them. Surprisingly, unlike an ordinary kid from an average family, Lin Qi turned out to be remarkably understanding, catching him off guard.


    Transforming from an observer to a leader, even though it was the mayor''s initial idea, the smoothness of it made him feel somewhat guilty. However, it was just a tiny bit, a negligible bit.


    Holding the pipe, he pointed out, "I heard you n to expand your business throughout the entire state?"


    Lin Qi nodded calmly. "Inspired by the charisma of the esteemed mayor, I believe we should transcend geographical limitations, taking on more social responsibilities. As long as it''s something meaningful and good, we should strive to do it."


    "Not only will I sell second-hand goods, but I also n to extensively recycle used goods throughout the state. Items abandoned by people that are currently ineffective andck value can be put back into cirction through specialized channels. What may be temporarily useless for me could y a crucial role in someone else''s life. Through dedicated trade channels, we can meet the material needs of the lower strata without increasing their economic burden."


    "Even in times of financial strain, they can sell second-hand goods to alleviate significant pressure on family finances. This will improve the financial and living conditions of millions of families in the next few years. I firmly believe in this!"


    As Lin Qi articted his thoughts, the mayor continued nodding. There were more thoughts in the mayor''s mind, but Lin Qi''s words were also inspirational. If Lin Qi could aplish all that he said, there was no doubt it would be a shining political achievement during the mayor''s tenure.


    After gaining more understanding, the mayor''s smile became even more amiable. "Your ideas are excellent. When I was chatting with the governor earlier, he also mentioned the interesting thoughts of young people nowadays. If there''s an opportunity, I''ll introduce you to him"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 5 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 98:

    Chapter 98:


    In a country like the Baylor Federation, people often joked with a half-yful, half-helpless tone that taxes and death were inevitable for everyone.


    In reality, besides taxes and death, there was one more thing people couldn''t avoid, regardless of life, old age, sickness, or death, and that was political stance.


    The Baylor Federation had three major parties, as mandated by the Baylor Federation constitution. At any given time, there must be three parties vying for the power to govern within the federation.


    The Federal Progressive Party, the Federal Conservative Party(), and the Federal Social Party()these three political factions, in an apparently loose and free political environment, sometimes disyed highly aggressive behavior.


    Even during imprisonment, the court would have people fill out a questionnaire, including the political stance of the convicts. The prison and cell assignment would then be based on this questionnaire.


    Mr. Mayor''s satisfaction with Lin Qi''s responses, reactions, and thoughts was evident. Political stance was his final question. If Lin Qi held a different political stance from his own, Mr. Mayor would downy Lin Qi''s role and might even have discussions with local capitalists to rece Lin Qi and send him elsewhere.


    Allowing a capitalist from another party to grow and prosper in the Progressive Party''s territory was virtually impossible unless Mr. Mayor decided to forsake his political future or switch sides to help Lin Qi rise without any conditions.


    Politicians and capitalists were always mutuallyplementary. Capitalists would provide politicians with enough political contributions, job opportunities, and content rted to city development.


    Simrly, politicians would reciprocate by providing capitalists with what they desiredbiased policies and development ns tailored around the capitalists.


    This required mutual trust and close coboration in certain partnerships. People couldn''t trust "outsiders"; they only trusted "their own."


    Who were "their own"?


    Clearly, people with the same political stance, united for amon goal, were considered their own.


    Fortunately, Lin Qi''s answers satisfied Mr. Mayor greatly. He didn''t mind incorporating Lin Qi into the Progressive Party, as the intrusion of capital into political parties wasn''t scandalous in the Baylor Federation. Behind any renowned politician, there were capitalists or even financial consortia supporting them.


    Without the support of these individuals, even the most remarkable politicians couldn''t achieve anything in this magicalnd!


    Certainly, Baylor''s political environment seemed loose, at least on the surface. There were no political persecutions specifically targeting civilians. People could im to be Progressive Party supporters in the morning and shift to being Conservative Party enthusiasts in the afternoon without much consequence. At most, some ordinary people might curse them as shameless.


    This kind of environment was indeed very loose, requiring no substantial application, no lengthy review and approval process. Just a sentence, a nod, and the entire process was essentiallypleted.


    But after leaving the lower echelons of society, in the middle-upper strata of society, the political environment would be rtively strict. For people like capitalists, politicians, changing political stances wasn''t an easy task. One misstep could lead to trouble.


    There were moreplex situations involved, but they were irrelevant for now.


    Before attending the lunch meeting, Lin Qi had researched some information about the Progressive Party. His words just now weren''t entirely ttery to please Mr. Mayor.


    In his eyes, the Progressive Party was indeed much better than the current ruling Conservative Party. The Conservative Party''s political agenda was focused on istionism, a trend that had prevailed in recent years.


    From one perspective, by not getting involved in international disputes and wars, the Baylor Federation had made significant progress in technology and industry by isting itself. However, this had also nted the seeds of danger.


    People might not realize it now, but with technological advancements, the concept of the blue would shift from being a " to a "vige."


    It took about a month and a half to reach the farthest Zalisku United Kingdom() from the Baylor Federation, including both ovend and sea routes. People were not interested in such a distant country, and they didn''t believe it could affect the Baylor Federation.


    But when faster modes of transportation like airnes or other rapid means appeared, it would greatly shorten people''s perception of distance. Depart in the morning, and by the afternoon or the next day, one could arrive at the Zalisku United Kingdom.


    Today''s rejection of the external world would inevitably lead to the federation''s istion in the future. When other countries began developing rapidly through exchanges, the federation would gradually fall behind and ultimately be eliminated.


    While the Conservative Party continued singing the praises of istionism, the Baylor Federation was already facing some problems. If these problems couldn''t be resolved quickly, they would undoubtedly affect the federation for a long time.


    Compared to the Conservative Party, the Progressive Party''s political agenda and ideology were obviously more in line with the global development trend and Lin Qi''s vision for the future.


    Integration into the internationalmunity was the most correct choice!


    He spoke about his dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party, which resonated well with Mr. Mayor.


    Sometimes, one didn''t need to praise someone. Criticizing their opponents could gain their appreciation, and this kind of appreciation was more satisfying than lightpliments.


    "Your insights are very progressive..." The Mayor''s smile persisted throughout the entire conversation. Just when he was about to continue, the room''s door opened. Ferrall quickly observed the expressions of the two before informing them that lunch was ready.


    The jovial atmosphere between the two men relieved Ferrall. Lin Qi seemed like a young man with a soft appearance and may even look shy, but in reality, he was assertive and strong-willed. Ferrall was afraid that this guy would sh with the mayor, but now it seemed they were getting along well.


    "Shall we fill our stomachs first?" Mr. Mayor, with a negotiating tone in his voice and a smile on his face, surprised Ferrall even more. Those in power wouldn''t tantly show preferences, but they would subtly reveal them through details.


    This kind of consultative tone didn''t often ur in Mr. Mayor''s professional life, making Ferrall increasingly feel that Lin Qi was an incredible young man.


    Lin Qi stood up, straightened his clothes, and said, "Of course, Mr. Mayor."


    The two entered the dining room. There were only two seats by the table, and only two sets of utensils were on the table. Ferrall''s dining ce wasn''t here, even though he was Mr. Mayor''s aide.


    Originally, ording to the n, Ferrall should have excused himself to have lunch. There were dedicated servers here, but he took over the server''s role, wanting to hear how Lin Qi had managed to impress Mr. Mayor.


    After sitting down, Mr. Mayor nced at Ferrall, who was opening the wine, then withdrew his gaze. He felt that Ferrall was very smart and reliable, knowing that certain words weren''t suitable for others to hear.


    Today''s lunch featured a delightful blend of T-bone steak and fish fillet, creating a surf and turf sensation. This dish offered a unique experience with three different culinary styles in one, providing a rich array of vor variations  a true delight for those who appreciated diverse and exquisite tastes.


    While poor people were still figuring out how to fill their stomachs, the rich had already started pursuing more changes in taste, more distinctyers of texture, and the lingering aftertaste in the mouth.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 5 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 99:

    Chapter 99:


    A person''s table manners could reveal certain aspects of their character.


    For instance, the Mayor before Lin Qi now; his maniption of the cutlery was very concise, swift, and forceful. In just two or three motions, he sliced a piece of beef off the steak, dipped it in sauce, stuffed it into his mouth, and quickly swallowed it.


    In reality, some people had more refined pursuits; they would make more cuts, elongating the entire process.


    Because there was a saying that if a knife cut too quickly and roughly, it could cause the muscle fibers of the food to disce and change, affecting the texture.


    These individuals may be more sensitive, pursuing more idealistic things. Whereas, individuals like the Mayor represented pragmatism, where efficiency, value, and results were what they pursued.


    While observing discreetly, Lin Qi noticed the Mayor setting down his cutlery. He picked up his napkin to dab at his lips, took a sip of wine, and then said, "Continuing from our previous conversation, what do you think we should do to change the current situation?"


    They had discussed istionism and broader international changes before. Lin Qi''s mature perspective easily made one overlook his age of just twenty. Coupled with his attire, he appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five.


    Yet, even so, in the realm of politics, he was still a young man. Many politicians at the age of twenty-four or twenty-five were still interning for certain individuals. They didn''t even understand domestic situations, let alone international ones.


    The more he conversed with Lin Qi, the more curious the Mayor became about what interesting remarks he might make next. He was looking forward to it.


    Lin Qi also timely set down his cutlery, dabbed at his lips with sauce, and after a moment of contemtion, began to respond, "I believe if our Progressive Party can secure power in the next term, firstly, we should participate more in the construction of the internationalmunity, leveraging our strengths. While the Baylor Federation may not be the most advanced country in technology, it is definitely at the forefront. Many countries need our assistance."


    The Mayor nodded without expressing agreement or disagreement. "But have you considered one thing? Why should they ept us? Why should the internationalmunity ept us?" This was a question that some radicals in the Baylor Federation were currently pondering.


    Previously, due to the Conservative Party''s policies, the Baylor Federation had closed its doors. Now, suddenly reopening them and wanting to participate prominently in international activities, why should others let them y and even let them be a leader?


    The top echelons of the Progressive Party had also discussed many countermeasures. They had a series of ns already, whether they could be implemented, and whether they would seed, remained to be seen. But overall, having specific methods made people feel reassured.


    The Mayor also knew this. He raised this question just to see if Lin Qi''s thoughts aligned with those of the top echelons of the Progressive Party.


    A hint of a smile yed on Lin Qi''s lips. "Responsibility, Mr. Mayor. If we take on more international responsibilities and let more countries recognize that the Baylor Federation is a country willing to bear more international responsibilities, then we can have more influence."


    The Mayor nodded without expressing agreement or disagreement. He pondered Lin Qi''s words and the underlying implications, then asked with an even broader smile, "So, where do you think we should start taking on these responsibilities?"


    "From humanitarian international aid."


    This was destined to be a very meaningful lunch. Firstly, the Mayor and Lin Qi highly unified their positions and opinions on certain aspects,ying the groundwork for the Mayor''s future political achievements.


    Secondly, what Lin Qi discussed during the meal about the rtionship between the Baylor Federation and the internationalmunity provided the Mayor with significant inspiration. He wouldpile this information and present it to the top echelons of the Progressive Party for discussion, to see if it had value and could be utilized by the party.


    If it could be used, it would also be his political achievement. Whether it was his recruitment of talent for the Progressive Party or his selfless contribution of this content, he had made valuable contributions to the entire Progressive Party.


    If it couldn''t be used, it wouldn''t be a mistake either. As long as he didn''t publicly express opinions unfavorable to the Progressive Party, no one would consider speaking as a fault.


    In any case, with this lunch, some things were about to change soon. Meanwhile, Lin Qi also gained another identity  a member of the Progressive Party.


    On the way back, Ferrall drove while ncing at Lin Qi sitting in the back seat through the rearview mirror, his expression somewhat odd.


    When they left, the Mayor specially instructed him to drive Lin Qi back. Such treatment was rarely seen even once a year, only bigwigs or important guests could enjoy it. He hadn''t expected Lin Qi to receive such treatment at such a young age.


    Following this came some jealousy, but it quickly dissipated. As long as he maintained a suitable friendship with Lin Qi, when the Mayor ascended, he would have the opportunity to be nominated and participate in internal party elections to be a mayoral candidate for Sabin City.


    Once he embarked on this path, he would inevitably need some wealthy backers behind him. A candidate without money would always be just a candidate.


    Thinking of this, he cleared his throat and asked, "Are there any challenges or difficulties that need to be addressed for your next auction event?" He said, not forgetting to tactfully add a reminder. "For example, venue issues?"


    Although the vacantnd in the warehouse area wasrge enough, the environment was somewhatcking. If this matter wasn''t linked to the Mayor, even holding it in a restroom wouldn''t raise any eyebrows.


    But once this matter was associated with the Mayor''s support, holding it in the warehouse area would be somewhat inappropriate.


    Lin Qi nodded and continued, "There are, and I have some new ideas. I want to use the Sabin City Gymnasium, but there might be some difficulties with the procedures."


    A ce specifically prepared for a certain purpose, the Sabin City Gymnasium was not funded through normal fiscal appropriations. The state government believed that Sabin City did not need a good gymnasium because there were no professional sports teams locally.


    Without professional sports teams, there was no need for a professional gymnasium. However, the municipal government obviously had other ideas. With funding from some capitalists and the public, the gymnasium was eventually built.


    Years ago, some local businessmen had formed a rugby team, but it fell through for various reasons. The gymnasium had be a ce for ordinary people to rx and unwind, in a semi-neglected state, with the grass not having been reced for over a year.


    But even so, if one wanted to repurpose the gymnasium, even if it was just for half a day, there would be a lot of resistance, and it was impossible for an individual to obtain approval.


    After hearing this, Ferrall thought for a moment. "That ce is indeed a good location, but you need to... silence some people, pay them off."


    Lin Qi nodded. "As you know, money is not a problem for me."


    Ferrall smiled cunningly. "Then, it will not be a problem."


    If the business event itself sparked astonishment regarding the transaction volume throughout Sabin City and even the entire state, then Lin Qi''s profit-sharing with the salesmen became the second catalyst.


    From some evening newspapers, it was revealed that someone had received a bonus of eight thousand bucks. In this economically depressed era, this news exploded like a bomb in society.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 5 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 100:

    Chapter 100:


    "So many people are rushing to give me money, it''s really troubling."


    This was Lin Qi''s genuine thought at this moment. Despite stating that bing a salesman for the Interster Trading Company had no threshold, it would cost five bucks to secure a seat at the auction. Yet, people''s enthusiasm showed no signs of waning.


    This situation was quite normal. Each person was the rightful protagonist in their own world, and regardless of their joys, sorrows, or struggles, their lives seemed to follow the most reasonable script to them.


    They didn''t feel any abruptness; their life trajectories were clear to them, and they were the protagonists of their own stories.


    In a way, this wasn''t entirely wrong. Everyone was indeed the protagonist of their own story. So, there were always those who believed they were different from others, thanks to a sense of identification that had existed since consciousness emerged, making them firmly believe in this point.


    They didn''t think they were inferior to those who made money effortlessly. They would work harder and then seed in reaching the pinnacle of life.


    Five bucks for a seat?


    Not a problem at all. Some even directly inquired about booking the entire venue!


    In their eyes, even booking the entire venue would yield huge profits. With sums ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands, there was no reason not to do so.


    Actually, Lin Qi also wanted them to book the venue. However, he still needed to consider others, and it also didn''t align with his interests.


    "So, we need to quickly develop the business in other cities. Additionally, the municipal government will soon coborate with us to promote our second-hand goods auction with the slogan ''Revitalize idle goods, create secondary value'' across the entire state."


    In the office, facing a group of revitalized young people, Lin Qi discussed the recent development ns. "You are my first group of partners and the people I trust the most. When we are ready, some of you will be managers in certain cities."


    "At that time, you won''t be earning your individualmissions anymore. Instead, you''ll earn amission based on the performance of the subsidiarypany. I also hope you''ll take responsibility for your work because what you''re going to influence next isn''t just yourselves but also many others who rely on you to continue surviving in society..."


    Lin Qi''s words instantly gripped the hearts of some people, especially Richard and Wood.


    The former was a fervent supporter of Lin Qi. He supported any decision Lin Qi made, especially if those decisions could bring positive impacts to himself.


    Thetter, through a short period of observation, found no evidence of any criminal activity by Lin Qi.


    To be honest, Wood was an outstanding young man. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been noticed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation at first nce, promoted to an undercover agent, and ced beside Lin Qi.


    In the past half month, he had bonded with everyone here, and discovered that every business conducted by Lin Qi was legal; he even noticed that Lin Qi was more willing to pay taxes than anyone else, which was something he still found very hard to believe.


    In school, including during the training period at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, they constantly repeated, almost brainwashing Wood, that businessmen like Lin Qi were evil, and they exploited and oppressed the people, squeezed their blood and sweat for their own profit through alleged illegal transactions and financial crimes.


    But during this time following Lin Qi, Wood only saw those who followed Lin Qi getting rich and making money. Those who were kicked out weren''t because they offended Lin Qi, but simply because they weren''t willing to work hard.


    The more he learned about Lin Qi, the more guilty he felt. On one hand, he felt betraying the Federal Bureau of Investigation and his superiors by having such thoughts. On the other hand, he enjoyed his current life.


    Reading books every day with Richard and other friends, they delved into books filled with wisdom about how billionaires made their fortunes and grew.


    They also discussed their dreams and their future selves.


    There was a down-to-earth side and a pursuit of future and ideals!


    This was more interesting and valuable than when he was undergoing rigorous training. When someone asked Lin Qi why he gave them so much in bonuses, Lin Qi told them it was a responsibility.


    A society where only one person was wealthy was deformed and imperfect. Only when everyone walked the path to wealth would society tend toward perfection infinitely.


    He would undoubtedly be wealthy, but he would also lift more people out of poverty, providing more job opportunities for those in need like him.


    If everyone in the world had jobs they could freely choose, without exploitation or oppression, and could easily achieve financial freedom, then that was his goal and ideal!


    Wealth didn''t necessarily have to be full of blood-soaked exploitation. Sometimes it could also be full of love and care!


    A great ideal!


    The society described by Lin Qi was like an ideal kingdom, and at that moment Lin Qi was describing it, he seemed to be covered in ayer of golden light.


    Wood was a young man. He didn''t know whether what Lin Qi said and did could be realized, but youth meant being full of passion and eagerness for life. He was willing to believe that Lin Qi wasn''t lying this time.


    Moreover, Lin Qi was indeed doing so, and Wood had seen it with his own eyes. If the Interster Trading Company developed ording to his pace, by next year, thispany would provide around one to two thousand job opportunities for the entire state.


    Many people who didn''t understand society might think one or two thousand job opportunities were insignificant. But for Wood, who excelled academically and had studied unemployment rates, these one or two thousand job opportunities were crucial.


    One job opportunity represented solving the livelihood problems of a family of at least three people, and this radiated to two more families behind them. In other words, as long as one person had a reliable job, three families could break free from despair, affecting around eight to ten people!


    One or two thousand job opportunities could affect the livelihoods and survival of ten to twenty thousand people. If Lin Qi became wealthier and provided more job opportunities to make other people be wealthier too, what would this society be?


    Would it really be as Lin Qi said, where everyone would have jobs, no one would worry about careers, and society would achieve stability and prosperity?


    Richard nced strangely at Wood, who had gleaming eyes, recording Lin Qi''s words with a pen and notebook beside him. He felt like something was happening to this good friend and protg of his. But after rubbing his eyes to take a look at Wood again, he found that Wood was still Wood. Maybe it was just his illusion just now.


    Lin Qi on stage didn''t notice that he had unintentionally gained another follower. He continued discussing his uing development ns.


    Painting a rosy picture was an important means of winning hearts during the early stages of entrepreneurship. Portraying a bright and grand future could stir people''s enthusiasm.


    "...Starting this week, I will elerate the construction of some basic facilities. We will establish a logisticspany exclusively owned by us, and we might even build a dedicated warehouse area. I don''t really like the chaotic atmosphere in the warehouse area of Sabin City."


    Wood scribbled eagerly. Logisticspany, warehouse area  thanks to Lin Qi, many more people would secure stable jobs. This was a social responsibility of a businessman!


    Soon, Wood''s excitement infected everyone in the room. ording to Lin Qi''s description, there was at least one billionaire, three multi-millionaires, and the rest were poor millionaires sitting here.


    Were they not smart enough?


    Did theyck connections?


    Were they not favored by Lin Qi, the big boss?


    No, it was because they weren''t working hard enough. Thus, they could only be millionaires. If they could exert 120% effort, they could also be multi-millionaires, billionaires  everyone seemed to believe it.


    It was a small-scale chat about wealth. These young people who had just entered society immediately became staunch supporters of Lin Qi. Some even wanted to sing to express their inner excitement.


    After instilling some motivational words into these young people, Lin Qi drove to a rugby club in Sabin City, where he nned to discuss the formation of a professional rugby team with the locals.


    This was also a condition for him to rent the Sabin City Gymnasium. He needed to contribute to the local sports industry so that people wouldn''t question his business dealings in such a sacred arena.


    At the same time, this was also a great opportunity to promote the corporate image. The role of local businesses in local culture and the positive impact they brought were immeasurable!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 5 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 101:

    Chapter 101:


    The name of the Sabin City Rugby Club was simply "Sabin City Rugby Club". It used to be the only professional rugby team in Sabin City, but due to certain reasons, the operatingpany went bankrupt. Without anyone taking over, it transitioned from a professional club to an amateur one.


    Subsequently, no one was willing to take over, so it remained in a semi-abandoned state. There was a rumor suggesting that the previouspany was using the transfer of yers from this professional club tounder money extensively. Later, due to some issues with the distribution of under-the-table bonuses, yers involved in the process stepped forward to blow the whistle, leading to the copse of thepany.


    However, there was hardly any relevant news circting in the market. It was just said that the operatingpany mismanaged itself into ruin, leaving many people sighing over it.


    But the reason no one took over wasn''t solely due to certain issues with the club. Operating a club itself required a lot of money. Not everypany could afford to run a professional club. The investment in it ranged from tens of thousands to millions annually, but the returns it brought were also remarkable.


    Firstly, operators of professional clubs could receive favorable policies and support in many aspects, including tax exemptions and special sports subsidies from the municipal government and state government.


    Secondly, a sessfully operated club could bring a significant positive image to thepany. As long as the team had a decent performance, people would support both the team and thepany behind it.


    There were also some social issues involved. For example, cities with professional sports teams generally had higher public safety rates than those without. People tended to choose watching games at home rather thanmitting crimes on the streets, or supporting a team could serve as an outlet for emotional release.


    Another example would be the city''s image; cities with professional sports teams would give people a sense of wellness and vitality. It made people believe that the city''s inhabitants cared about health, sports, and life.


    In short, it was a good thing.


    As Lin Qi''s car pulled up at the club''s entrance, the club manager who had been waiting for a long time actively opened the car door for Lin Qi, slightly bowing with a ttering demeanor.


    Beside him was a woman in her thirties wearing professional attire, sses on her face, her expression seemingly reluctant.


    After taking a nce at the woman who had beenpelled to wear a revealing outfit, Lin Qi withdrew his gaze. Since the economic downturn, it had be customary to conduct business with a beautiful woman by one''s side, as if doing so could increase the chances of sess. It had evolved into a societal issue.


    Noticing Lin Qi''s tall stature and handsome appearance, the initial reluctance on the woman''s face seemed to dissipate, and she no longer appeared concerned about her low-cut blouse or the overly short pencil skirt she was wearing.


    As Lin Qi looked at the club''s manager, thetter reached out and shook his hand vigorously. "Hello, Mr. Lin Qi. I''m Kane, the club manager. After I heard from the Athletes'' Association () that you wereing today, I haven''t slept a wink out of excitement. The long-lost sunshine has finally returned to our club!" His voice trembled slightly, seemingly very emotional.


    The woman beside the manager felt a bit nauseous at the manager''s tant ttery, her eyes filled with disdain.


    The regional branch of the state Athletes'' Association called them yesterday to inform them that a prominent figure would be visiting their club today, with the possibility of runching the professional football program in Sabin City, causing the entire club to erupt with excitement in an instant.


    Without sponsorship, the club couldn''t retain good athletes, and without excellent athletes, the club would soon be dismantled, leaving only some older athletes with nowhere to go.


    What made matters even worse was that the club couldn''t even enjoy the subsidies provided by the Athletes'' Association for professional athletes, given their withdrawal from the professional league. This was devastating for many athletes.


    The Athletes'' Association, officially known as the Baylor Federal Athletes'' Association(), was an unofficial organization aimed at promoting sports in the Baylor Federation. ording to the Baylor Federation''s "Sports Development Act()," all broadcasting rights for professional leagues specified in the act belonged to the Athletes'' Association. The profits from such rights were used entirely to encourage, promote, develop, and build the sports industry in the Baylor Federation.


    However, there was a prerequisite: they only supported professional clubs. Even the lowest-level professional leagues, both clubs and athletes, could receive some subsidies from the Athletes'' Association, but not amateurs.


    If Lin Qi could runch the club and even get it into the lowest-level professional league, it would be enough to give hope to those who depended on the club for their livelihoods.


    So when they received the newsst night, they werepletely ecstatic. The manager had to bend over; the burden on his shoulders was too heavy, so heavy that he dared not straighten his back!


    Lin Qi casually shook his hand, feeling the strength in it dissipate. The manager quickly let go of his hands and then turned to the woman beside him, introducing her to Lin Qi. "This is the club''s chief assistant, Ms. Julie()..."


    Julie nced at Kane and then shook hands with Lin Qi, quickly letting go.


    Kane finally breathed a sigh of relief; he had been worried that Julie might cause trouble. With a tentative tone, he asked, "Shall we go inside and take a look?"


    "Not yet, I have a friend joining us..." Lin Qi refused him and instead looked at the trophies disyed inside the club''s ss walls.


    It was evident that they had been struggling in recent years. The ss wall was covered in ayer of grime, indicating it hadn''t been cleaned in a long time. Inside, the trophies were well preserved, including some state-level championship trophies.


    These trophies were all from before the club encountered major trouble. At that time, they had brought in many powerful yers who contributed a lot to the club. If it weren''t for what happenedter... they might have had a chance topete for the Four Corners Cup( a secondary league cup under the Baylor Federation''s league system).


    As Lin Qi looked at these items, Manager Kane''s gaze also shifted over to the trophies with Lin Qi''s. A hint of sadness gradually appeared on his face, but he quickly regained hisposure and determination.


    He must persuade Lin Qi to invest in the club, even if his investment in the end wasn''t substantial. However, as long as it could cover the daily expenses, they would eventually be able to return to the top-level battlefield.


    Just then, three cars arrived in a line, each one a new luxury car, which surprised Kane slightly.


    Lin Qi turned slowly, watching Mr. Fox emerge from the middle car. He greeted Mr. Fox with a smile, exchanged a hug, and then greeted Fox Junior. Following that, he introduced Kane to Mr. Fox and his son before entering the club under Kane''s lead.


    "As soon as you mentioned that you have a new idea, I couldn''t wait toe..." Mr. Fox emphasized his enthusiasm, "What''s your idea this time?"


    Kane, who was walking ahead, had been paying attention to the conversation between the three people behind him. At this moment, he heard Lin Qi say, "a club, rugby league, and those new business ventures we talked about before."


    "The entertainment industry?" Mr. Fox''s voice raised slightly, "I thought when you said the entertainment industry, you meant making movies or something. Does sports also count?"


    Lin Qi nodded with a smile that seemed to imply something, "I have to say, your understanding of entertainment is still superficial. In my opinion, as long as it brings joy to the audience, it can be considered part of the entertainment industry."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 5 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 102:

    Chapter 102:


    In the manager''s office, Kane nced at Julie from time to time. He felt like there might be something wrong with his ears because the guy sitting in the manager''s seat was discussing something different from what they had nned.


    "Women''s rugby" Lin Qi depicted a picture of bouncy grandeur'', "Girls in cool dresses are wearing substantial protective gear as they sprint across the verdant green field, colliding with one another."


    "Their skin will glisten with sweat,manding attention from all around, as spectators'' eyes track their every move. The crowd will erupt in cheers for the girls'' triumph."


    "Just imagine, what kind of scene and picture will that be?"


    In Lin Qi''s simple yet suggestive description, Mr. Fox, Fox Junior, and even Kane began to let their imaginations run wild ording to his words.


    In their unanimous fantasies, indeed, it was a magnificent and epic scene of the game. Just thinking about it would make one feel excited, blood pumping, and veins pulsating!


    The first to regainposure was Mr. Fox, perhaps owing to his age. In truth, despite his age, he only appeared to be in his early forties, having taken excellent care of himself.


    However, in some respects, he also had to ept reality. He wasn''t like Manager Kane, whose job was rted to sports and maintained good physical condition, nor was he like Fox Junior, who was still very young and had natural advantages.


    Next, Fox Junior also snapped out of the fantasy. His face flushed slightly, followed by Manager Kane.


    Mr. Fox nodded. "I think I understand what you mean, but we all know that a game needs opponents. Who are wepeting against?"


    This was a very good question. If it was just about watching women run and collide, there were actually better ces for people to watch. What Lin Qi described about women''s rugby, apart from appreciating the enthusiasm of these girls, the oue of the game was also an important aspect.


    The purpose of sportspetition was to win, and women were just a part of it, not the entirety, because that wouldn''t get very far.


    "Teams organized by local businesses. When people see the profits involved, they will spontaneously join. You know, women''s rugby matches are not covered by federal sportsws."


    "Besides these, enhancing corporate visibility, endorsing products, and the value of these yers themselves will all be profitable points. People will see these benefits."


    Lin Qi hit the nail on the head when he sinctly broke down the key factors for the sess of women''s rugby. It was a sports event that fell outside the scope of traditional athletics. Its broadcasting and rebroadcasting rights didn''t belong to the Athletes'' Association. As long as the matches were hyped up, the various broadcasting fees alone were enough for everyone to make a considerable amount of money.


    Moreover, the cost of supporting female yers was much cheaper than that of male yers. Women''s rugby was still a barrennd; there were no star yers here. As long as they were offered appropriate sries, they were willing to sign contracts. Once they became stars, the organizers would have already made enough money, and they would even be able to earn more from them through yer transfer.


    Then fresh talent would flood into this market, initiating a new cycle of growth and harvest. The sooner one entered this field, the greater the potential for profit.


    Mr. Fox continued to follow Lin Qi''s train of thought, expanding upon it with more ideas. He thought of even more possibilities and felt that indeed it could be worth a shot. After all, ording to Lin Qi''s perspective, the initial investment wouldn''t be substantial, and even if it failed, he wouldn''t lose too much money.


    "We can give it a try," Mr. Fox finally made his decision.


    Lin Qi nodded in satisfaction. "You won''t regret it."


    Women''s rugby matches may only take ce within the state and gradually expand to neighboring states in the beginning. It was necessary to show otherpanies the profits and benefits involved in it before they would get involved.


    Then Lin Qi looked at Kane, and thetter was slightly stunned before he came to his senses and stood up, feeling a bit awkward.


    "Kane, what do you think of my n?"


    Kane''s expression was somewhatplicated. He didn''t like Lin Qi''s style and attitude. In his opinion, Lin Qi clearly regarded the rugby club as a money-making tool. However, capitalists were all like this.


    If he wanted to revive the club, he had to rely on Lin Qi. This was the first opportunity to change the status quo in three years. He couldn''t just let it go; who knew when they would have another chance like this.


    He began to cautiously express his thoughts. First, he expressed his agreement. "Your idea is very good, Mr. Lin Qi. I''ve never considered such things before, but it will definitely attract people''s attention as a sport."


    Indeed, just watching girls running and colliding in cool outfits, even without victory or defeat, some people would still be willing to spend fifty cents or a buck on a ticket to enjoy a period of petition."


    Julie, who was on the side, nced disapprovingly at Kane. She lowered her head without speaking, seemingly disdainful of Kane''s ttery.


    Kane, as if he hadn''t seen it, continued in a negotiating tone, "But shouldn''t we also develop men''s rugby?" His gaze carried a hint of anticipation. "With your support, we can rejuvenate within a short period. Within five years... no, we will definitely win the state championship within three years."


    The Baylor Federation''s rugby league was divided into three levels and five tiers, ranging from local events to nationalpetitions intertwined together. Starting from February andsting until November, it was the craziest season of rugby league matches.


    Especially the final autumn championship, it was a feast for rugby enthusiasts across the federation and even the whole world. The champions of each state''s professional league, plus a fan-voted all-star team, a total of eighteen teams, would battle it out in autumn. The high-intensitypetition would bring in over fifteen million in broadcasting fees alone every year for the federation.


    In Kane''s eyes, Sabin City wasn''t weak in rugby; it was actually strong.


    In the past, the businesses that supported them had brought them many honors in session, which also created a good atmosphere for rugby in Sabin City. Even major colleges and universities were willing to invest more in rugby than before.


    Even some private schools would provide admission for some outstanding young people with rugby talent.


    As long as some of these outstanding individuals were gathered, they could quickly form a fighting force, and they could even step onto the battlefield early in the next season!


    But the premise of all this was that they needed Lin Qi''s approval and his willingness to invest in revitalizing Sabin City''s professional matches.


    Lin Qi nodded withoutmenting. He didn''t immediately answer Kane. Instead, he turned to Julie. "Ms. Julie, do you have anything to add to my n, and Mr. Kane''s n?"


    The team assistant may seem unimportant, but in reality, they were crucial. This job was rted to the daily training, games, and lives of the team and every yer.


    The manager, assistant, coachthis was the triumvirate of a club.


    Julie remained silent for a moment. Initially, she actually had some good impressions of Lin Qi. That was the advantage of being handsome; no matter what kind of person one was, as long as they were handsome enough, even if a woman didn''t know them, she would think they were a decent person.


    But now she didn''t feel that way anymore. She even felt a bit nauseous. After taking two deep breaths, she expressed a dissenting opinion. "Mr. Lin Qi, is the purpose of women''s rugby just to please men?" Her face showed a hint of disgust. "This is an insult to women, Mr. Lin Qi."


    Lin Qi raised his eyebrows. "You''re mistaken, Ms. Julie. I have great respect for women and understand that women have been pursuing equal social treatment and power with men in recent years."


    "This is not an insult to women. Think about it, in mainstream sports in the federation, how many sports have female athletes, or have established apletepetition system specifically for female athletes?"


    Before Julie could think, Lin Qi shook his head. "None."


    "And what I''m doing now is to give women the utmost respect, to allow you to have your own rugby sport. I''m shocked by how you see this issue. Honestly, I''m disappointed..."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 6 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 103:

    Chapter 103:


    Kane, as well as Julie, stared dumbfoundedly at Lin Qi. Their minds couldn''t fathom how, just because of a difference in opinion, Julie, who had been working at the club since she was neen, was abruptly kicked out by the new management after twelve years of service.


    During the past twelve years, Julie had poured her heart and soul into the club. Even though the club had been downgraded to an amateur level, and the monthly sry was barely enough to cover living expenses, she had never thought of leaving. She even imagined herself spending her entire life here, and then training her son to be an athlete, representing Sabin City inpetitions worldwide.


    However, Julie never expected to be fired for simply contradicting Lin Qi''s opinion.


    She continued to stare at Lin Qi in disbelief, while Lin Qi repeated, "You can leave now, Ms. Julie..."


    With Lin Qi''s reminder, Julie left in a daze. Kane hesitated to speak, but eventually, he couldn''t bear to see Julie''s deste figure and stood up, "Mr. Lin..."


    Lin Qi raised his hand to stop Kane''s plea. These people had been at the club for too long, and the previous owners had essentially only wanted tounder money, delegating power to the club''s management team, which led to a distorted perception of power among everyone in the club.


    There was only one person who had the final say in the club, and that was the club owner. Everyone else was just serving him, and they needed to understand that.


    They could oppose any of Lin Qi''s orders; as long as they resigned, they could do whatever legal activities they wanted. Otherwise, Lin Qi would have hiswyers sue them until they couldn''t afford to defend themselves.


    Even if Julie hadn''t stepped forward, Lin Qi would have still targeted someone, and that would have been the coach. Today, the coach didn''t show up, and as far as he knew, there should have been one here.


    Because apart from the original operatingpany, some yers including the coach were also implicated in the moneyundering scandal.


    It was a simple truthyers and coaches, if not involved in the entire process, it would be hard to perfectly execute moneyundering through transfers.


    This also made it difficult for the original coach to find a new job. Not every club was willing to ept a coach with a professional stain to lead their team, so the coach stayed here to live off old savings.


    Kane knew where he stood, so the one Lin Qi needed to use to assert authority was between the other two. Until Julie stepped forward voluntarily.


    After Lin Qi stopped Kane from continuing, he changed the topic, "I agree with your previous statement. Sports represent the spirit of a city. Sabin City needs to show something new thisnguid summer. We need a professional men''s rugby team to boost morale. If I take over here and restart the professional club, how much money would it need?"


    Initially, Kane wanted to discuss some matters concerning Ms. Julie with Lin Qi, but at this moment, he was suddenly struck with a dizzy feeling, making him forget about the woman he had worked with for over a decade, who had just been dismissed by his new boss.


    After a brief calction, he gave Lin Qi a figure, "We''ll need approximately two to three hundred thousand this year, and it might increase in the future. If we want to recruit star yers, the cost might be higher."


    His voice lowered as he continued. Managing a professional rugby club wasn''t a simple task. This year''s transfer period saw the transfer fee for top rugby star Jonathan () exceed three million and ten thousand, creating history.


    Think about it, how would a star worth over three million possibly cooperate with a group of blue-overall workers''? He also needed excellent teammates, at least three to four star yers, and then some higher-level blue-overall workers''. Just the lineup costs alone could exceed tens of millions, not to mention the annual sries. Even subpar tycoons might not be able to afford this game.


    Lin Qi remained silent, and Kane, after biting his lip, added, "I think our immediate goal should be to advance to the professional league. Once weplete the transition from amateur to professional, we can train our own stars, which will significantly reduce costs, and maybe even make a profit."


    A smart person knew how to get capitalists like Lin Qi to support their ideas, and that was to show them profits.


    In reality, Lin Qi wasn''t concerned about expenses and ie. Many times, club managers like Kane had sufficient knowledge about the club and the sports industry butcked understanding of higher-level aspects.


    For example, the municipal government would establish a sports fund this year. Everyone knew what this fund was for, even if it couldn''t cover the cost of recruiting top yers for Sabin City''s rugby club, it could alleviate some financial pressure.


    There were also revenue shares from the rebroadcasts of the Athletes'' Association''spetitions, and bonuses from professional league matches. As long as it was managed properly, and his club was arranged topete against some of the top federal teams, he would be able to make a lot of money just from broadcast fees alone.


    Not to mention some cooperation ns between him and the mayor. After knowing that he willingly "sacrificed" himself to save Sabin City''s endangered sports in order to improve Sabin City''s image, how would the mayor not provide some policy support?


    So, he wasn''t worried about the expenses. He was only considering how to quickly set these things up, show results to people, so he could ask for money and policies.


    "Give me aprehensive development n, both for women''s and men''s rugby, following professional standards. Put your heart into this n; it will determine how much I invest here," Lin Qi paused briefly, "Also, does the club have its own training base?"


    Kane''s eyebrows twitched, shaking his head. Even in the past few years when the big shot was around, they hadn''t considered arranging a professional training base for the club. They were only here tounder money, not to support sports. It wasn''t possible for them to invest much here.


    Even when recruiting yers, they had their own agendas.


    Lin Qi nodded, roughly understanding what he needed to do next. It wasn''t just about asking for money and policies; he also needednd!


    Sometimes, whether a businessman could make money, and how much money he could make, had nothing to do with the type of business he was doing. It only depended on how daring he was and whether he could make people believe in him!


    Soon, at Lin Qi''s request, just after lunch, the Sabin City Professional Rugby Club issued a public announcement to the societyposting notices and publishing information in newspapers.


    Effective immediately, the club was renamed the "Interster Professional Sports Club ()." Men''s professional rugby was just one project under this club. In addition, there was the women''s professional rugby, which was already in the preparatory stage, as well as baseball, cricket, polo, basketball, tennis...


    In short, anyone who saw this announcement would feel that the club, which hadnguished for three years, had suddenly risen up. They could also sense something they hadn''t felt in a long timea thing called the spirit of the citythrough this announcement.


    In the afternoon at the city hall, witnessed by the mayor, Lin Qi, representatives from the Athletes'' Association, and the club manager signed a club equity transfer agreement. The city hall and the Athletes'' Association, as the club''s liable parties, transferred all club equity and power to Lin Qi at the price of "one buck," including approximately thirty thousand in debt.


    During the club''s owner-less period, the Athletes'' Association had been responsible for maintaining the club''s daily minimum expenses, using over ten thousand annually just for basic staff sries. Now that the debt was effective, Lin Qi had to repay the money to the Athletes'' Association.


    In front of the reporters, Lin Qi spoke about his feelings for the city, his support for sports, and his love for rugby and other sports.


    Previously, he was just an ordinary person, unable to do anything about these matters. But now, with some power in his hands, he should take responsibility and contribute to the revival of Sabin City!


    "That was a very inspirational speech." After a simple press conference, Ferrall led Lin Qi out, saying somewhat gloatingly, "But you''re in trouble. I heard you fired the club''s assistant?"


    Lin Qi nodded, "What about it?"


    Ferrall chuckled, "People from the Sabin City Women''s Rights Protection Association() are here. They say you discriminated against women and n to sue you."


    This caught Lin Qi by surprise, but he didn''t pay it much mind. "Give me their number; I believe we can resolve this misunderstanding quickly."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 6 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 104:

    Chapter 104:


    In the afternoon, Lin Qi met with representatives from the Women''s Rights Protection Association at an outdoor caf, a man in his thirties and a woman around the same age.


    "Lin Qi..." Lin Qi introduced himself while shaking hands with them. The two visitors didn''t show excessive animosity, instead politely shaking hands with Lin Qi before taking their seats at the table.


    The economic downturn had significantly reduced the number of customers at the outdoor caf. In the past, it used to be full, but now there were only two tables upied in the entire roadside garden.


    One table was theirs, and the other was upied by a young couple who didn''t seem like an ordinary family.


    "I heard from other sources that there might be some misunderstandings between me and you..." Lin Qi paused here, leading to the purpose of this meeting, which wasmunication.


    The two people sitting opposite exchanged a nce. The male nodded slightly. "It''s possible, Mr. Lin Qi. Do you know ady named Julie?"


    Without beating around the bush, they directly addressed the core issue.


    Julie was a somewhat influential member of the Women''s Rights Protection Association in Sabin City. When the Sabin City Rugby Club was popr a few years ago, Julie had significant influence. Leveraging the club''s reputation, she often expressed opinions either independently or alongside some yers. People also patiently listened to what she had to say on behalf of the association.


    However, in recent years, her influence in the eyes of the public and the media had gradually declined, and her position in the association had begun to diminish. Nevertheless, considering her past efforts, some people still valued her.


    They couldn''t just change their attitude depending on their level of influence. It wasn''t appropriate.


    After Julie was fired yesterday, she went to the association and informed a few of her friends about it. After a brief closed-door meeting, the association decided to help Julie seek justice.


    But was justice really easy to seek?


    The economic downturn had affected various levels, including the association. Membership fees were hard to collect, funding applications were getting rejected, and sponsorships were dwindling. If they didn''t take some action, even the branching association in Sabin City might dissolve.


    Whether it was to stir things up with Lin Qi, make thosepanies with arge female workforce understand their value and importance, or persuade the association higher-ups to allocate some maintenance funds, it was crucial to create some disturbance. Of course, the premise was to make some noise.


    And why Lin Qi? He was the one who got caught after all.


    Lin Qi didn''t evade the question either. He nodded. "There were disagreements between me and Ms. Julie in terms of work, and it was difficult to find a bnce, so I fired her..." He paused with a wry smile. "I rememberpensating her for an extra month''s sry. Did I break thew?"


    ording to the currentws of the Baylor Federation, if one didn''t give prior notice before termination, they only needed topensate one month''s sry. This gave the other party a month''s buffer to avoid causing immediate financial problems.


    Lin Qi hadn''t done anything illegal, and the association wouldn''t use this against him. Even if it were to escte to the Baylor Federation Supreme Court, Lin Qi hadn''t done anything wrong.


    The woman sitting beside him introduced herself as "Taylor()." At this moment, her expression was slightly serious, emitting a unique aura.


    Lin Qi could sense that she must have a certain status in the association, a demeanor often referred to by people as that of someone in authority.


    "Mr. Lin Qi, Ms. Julie mentioned to us the reasons for your disagreement. She said you wanted to establish a sports movement centered around female athletes, but it was suspected of pandering to men. When she advocated for women''s rights, you fired her. Is that true?"


    The man sitting beside her nced at Taylor. He felt Taylor was too eager to solve this matter, but he didn''t say anything. Taylor was the vice president of the association and held some power and status.


    Their goal was to cause a stir, create public opinion, put pressure on Lin Qi, and show people their power.


    "If having male spectators in a sport is considered insulting to women, Ms. Taylor, do you think I''m insulting you right now?"


    Taylor was momentarily taken aback. Her mind was processing Lin Qi''s first statement, finding it somewhat confusing, and then she had to face the second part.


    A strong woman shouldn''t be easily cornered. After her expression underwent some changes, she shook her head slightly. However, she didn''t speak. This way, even if there were any subsequent developments, she could change what she wanted to express once she understood Lin Qi''s intentions.


    Shaking her head could mean affirmation or denial; it all depended on her.


    Lin Qi then smiled. He chuckled with a hint of mockery. "No, Ms. Taylor, I have been insulting you all along, thoroughly insulting you..."


    "Mr. Lin Qi..." The man beside him tried to interrupt the conversation, realizing that Taylor had fallen into the trap. But how could Lin Qi let him have his way?


    He directly counter-questioned, "As apanion of Ms. Taylor, do you think I am insulting her?"


    The man who had already noticed the problem found himself in a corner. It was hard for him to answer this question. If he said yes, regardless of whether lying through his teeth would make him ufortable or not, once what happened today was leaked out, it would be a huge joke.


    Everyone would find others'' misfortunes amusing. Even after the person beingughed at gets angry, others would often hypocritically console them. Only the person beingughed at would truly understand how painful it was to be a joke.


    If he said no, he would obviously deviate from Taylor''s position. It meant he was on Lin Qi''s side. It had been less than five minutes since they met, but Lin Qi had already undermined them internally.


    Taylor seemed to realize that her previous evasion had turned out to be the dumbest choice. Herplexion didn''t look good either. She directly interrupted Lin Qi''s questioning. "You are evading the issue!"


    "Evading the issue?" Lin Qi looked at Taylor, his expression exaggeratedly shocked. "Are you talking about me?"


    "No, I didn''t evade the issue. I was just addressing it. If you think my admiring gaze toward you is insulting, then we have no need to continue this conversation."


    Lin Qi felt that if the Women''s Rights Protection Association in Ssbin City consisted of people like Taylor, they wouldn''t pose any threat.


    Taylor stared at Lin Qi. Perhaps Lin Qi''s "admiring gaze" made her feel that he wasn''t lying. After about ten seconds, she nodded and said, "Okay, this isn''t insulting me. So what?"


    Lin Qi''s attitude also softened. "Let me ask another question, Ms. Taylor. Do you think I''m handsome?"


    Though Taylor wanted to say no, she had to admit that Lin Qi had a natural charm. Reluctantly, she nodded. "You are handsome. What''s your point?"


    Lin Qi smiled brightly. "See, this is the difference between me and Ms. Julie. She believes that admiration from men is a form of insult to the one being admired. I deeply respect every woman; women are an indispensable part of society."


    His statement quickly stabilized Taylor''s emotions, and her attitude quickly softened.


    "I''ve noticed that some girls also admire handsome or well-built men, but these men never feel insulted by the girls'' gaze."


    "The same goes for sports. If a sports event primarily for women can only be watched by women, that''s the real insult to women."


    "I personally think Ms. Julie has some ideological issues. She deliberately creates divisions and frightening viewpoints to highlight women''s status and rights. This is very detrimental for the Women''s Rights Protection Association."


    "Because of her and her actions, people will eventually associate them with your style and approach."


    "Furthermore, I had nned to create at least two thousand jobs for women in this state through the movement I was pushing. But due to our disagreements, including those between Ms. Julie and me, I have decided to temporarily shelve this n."


    Lin Qi''s expression gradually became serious. "I will hold a press conference to exin this to society. I have not discriminated against or insulted anyone. Ms. Julie has subjected me to pressure I shouldn''t have had to endure. Society and public opinion will give me a fair judgement."


    Taylor and the man beside her exchanged a nce. Suddenly, they realized that they were the ones in trouble now.


    Taylor voluntarily closed her mouth, and the man cleared his throat, solemnly saying, "Mr. Lin Qi, perhaps you can temporarily postpone the press conference. We don''t have a thorough understanding of this matter yet, and there may still be serious misunderstandings. Shouldn''t we first dispel these misunderstandings?"


    "If Ms. Julie has some issues, we will address them and help you push forward this sports movement primarily for women in this state or even at the federal level as soon as possible."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 6 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 105:

    Chapter 105:


    "Do you have any personal conflicts with Lin Qi?" Upon returning to the association, Taylor immediately informed everyone of the oue of her meeting with Lin Qi, and Julie was soon summoned to the association by phone.


    In this downturn, two thousand jobs for women would be enough to make the Sabin City Women''s Rights Protection Association the focus of the state and even the entire country.


    Once public opinion caught on, the higher-ups of the association would inevitably increase their attention to this matter.


    With attention and tangible achievements, they could receive more assistance from society, making everyone''s lives a little better.


    Organizing marches and demonstrations, holding meetings, paying full-time staff sries, and covering daily expenses all required money.


    However, as a non-profit civil organization, they didn''t have any business entities of their own. They relied on funding from higher-ups of the association, social sponsorships, and some voluntary donations.


    Two thousand job positions were enough to help them out of their current situation. So, once everyone had a brief understanding of the situation, Julie immediately came under condemnation.


    The president of this branch was also a woman in her forties. Most of those involved in the women''s rights movement were of this age group. The older they were, the more traditional their thinking tended to be, and they didn''t have the energy or strength to engage in this. They didn''t even consider themselves unfortunate or living in misery.


    Only younger people cared about these issues, hoping to gain more equal rights with men and willing to dedicate their personal efforts to this cause.


    The president''s name was Elena(), from a middle-ss family. That was just how it was. It was rumored that the president of the association on the state level came from a political family. At times, they did appear to grasp the workings of society better than the average woman.


    Elena''s question immediately made Julie feel dizzy, and she sensed a sentiment of "hostility" from the gazes of others.


    She didn''t know what had happened. Why did her good friends who were supposed to stand up for her against Lin Qi yesterday suddenly turn against her?


    Herplexion turned slightly pale, and she shook her head, denying the president''s assertion, "Yesterday was the first time I met Lin Qi, and we had no conflicts."


    At this moment, the man who had met with Lin Qi suddenly spoke uphe was the association''swyer. Any well-established organization needed its ownwyer. When they bid farewell to Lin Qi yesterday, Lin Qi suddenly added a sentence.


    He mentioned Julie''s attire yesterday, suggesting that it might be an issue.


    Thewyer asked in a low voice, "Yesterday, did you wear a low-cut blouse and a very short pencil skirt?"


    Julie didn''t understand the meaning behind this question. She hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in admission. Some things couldn''t be hidden, and she didn''t believe shecked the right to choose her own attire.


    Freedom of dress was also one of the rights women had fought for since the women''s rights movement began, just like makeup, considered one of the most sessful equal rights projects.


    Thewyer nodded again, "You tried to seduce Lin Qi, but failed. So, you have developed some kind of hatred or resentment towards him, right?" Thewyer continued, ignoring Julie''s incredulous look, "This morning, I asked some people who are familiar with you. They all described your dress as ''conservative''..."


    He paused here, although he didn''t continue speaking, under his guidance, the expressions of the women in the meeting room had all changed, including the president Elena''s expression.


    Everyone here knew Julie. In the past, Julie often stood up for the Women''s Rights Protection Association alongside the yers, supporting them in the media. In their eyes, Julie was indeed a conservative dresser.


    Moreover, she worked in a professional sports club that was predominantly male. If she dressed too provocatively, it could lead to trouble or even danger.


    Although society may be unwilling to admit it, it was nheless true that the educational level and personal cultivation, including the understanding of thew, of professional athletes, were often below average.


    Sometimes, this group would often cause some unbelievable scandals, so dressing provocatively in front of them wasn''t just troublesome but also dangerous.


    A person who used to dress conservatively suddenly started dressing provocatively... No matter what her original intentions were, it was now hard to exin.


    "I didn''t! This is a nder against me, it''s defamation!" Julie''s face turned even paler. She couldn''t understand why the situation had suddenly turned against her.


    She looked at those who were usually on good terms with her, but these "good friends" didn''t respond to her pleading gaze.


    Then Taylor spoke up, "I''ve also met with Lin Qi, and he''s very willing tomunicate and resolve our differences before the situation esctes. He''s a very polite boy."


    Perhaps there was a problem with the word she used, as some people''s gazes turned towards her. She exined slightly, "As far as I know, Lin Qi is only twenty years old. He''ll be twenty-one in the fall."


    In the meeting room, a few muffled gasps broke the silence. Assuming Lin Qi to be in his thirties, akin to their own age, or perhaps in his forties, they were all taken aback to discover that he was just a kid.


    Women could be soplicated sometimes. They could unreasonably hate a man, but inexplicably have a fondness for a young boy.


    The fondness for Lin Qi quickly turned into dissatisfaction with Julie. Why would an adult woman dress so revealingly in front of a child?


    President Elena''s expression also became visibly less pleasant. Lin Qi was the same age as her child, giving her a strong sense of empathy. She couldn''t imagine why Julie would do something so crazy!


    Was it because she failed to seduce Lin Qi, so she harbored resentment?


    More and more unfriendly nces made Julie''s emotions verge on the brink of losing control. After a moment of hesitation, she immediately dered her position. She didn''t do that, and she reiterated her usation against Lin Qithat he sought to please men by humiliating women, which was the core conflict!


    Thewyer directly rebutted her viewpoint, "The core of sports ispetition, and people''s focus is only on thepetition. Only those with dirty minds would pay attention to what athletes wear. And I believe Mr. Lin Qi''s actions are perfectly appropriate."


    "So far, there hasn''t been any professional sports project designed specifically for women in the entire federation. This itself is a form oftent discrimination as some people think women are inferior to men."


    "Mr. Lin Qi will break this outdated way of thinking. We believe that soon there will be more professional sports for women in the world, and one day, I believe women will also have the opportunity topete on the same stage as male athletes."


    "This is progress, inevitable development. I see no humiliation in it!"


    Before Julie arrived, there was already a rtively unified understanding of this issue. Male bodybuilding had also be popr in recent years. Speaking truthfully, many married women in the room would watch those bodybuilding programs.


    They viewed the bodybuilders with admiration, never associating their appreciation with any sort ofscivious intentions.


    So, Julie''s viewpoint was fundamentally untenable. Now suddenly, everyone felt that Julie was really just creating conflicts for no reason at all.


    What was even more terrifying was that she actually tried to seduce a child, which was really disgusting!


    Faced with an overwhelmingly one-sided situation, Julie had no opportunity to fight back. She could only stand there like a puppet, feeling lost, fearful, and helpless.


    President Elena''s attitude showed a clear bias. Finally, she made a decision, "I propose to downgrade Ms. Julie''s position from ''director'' to ''member.'' Does anyone have any objections?"


    At this point, who would dare to oppose the president?


    Moreover, everyone felt that Julie was in the wrong!


    Soon, the Sabin City Women''s Rights Protection Association issued an internal notice regarding this matter, as well as the possibility of cooperation with Lin Qi.


    In just one day, those who hadn''te to the association for half a year or even longer voluntarily showed up again, and they even renewed their membership fees!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 106:

    Chapter 106:


    "The people from the state office just called me. They hope to get more detailed information as soon as possible..."


    President Elena''s expression became more serious. From yesterday until now, not more than twenty-four hours had passed, yet the state office not only knew about it but seemed very concerned about the matter.


    There was no doubt that they weren''t looking to encourage the Sabin City Women''s Rights Protection Association for their outstanding contributions but rather to steal the credit that rightfully belonged to them.


    Job opportunities were indeed crucial; financial independence and freedom were the guarantee of women''s rights and freedom. This had been verified.


    If a woman couldn''t achieve financial independence, it would be difficult for her to break free from the significant role men yed in her life. She would still be dependent on men unless she could prove that she could live well without them, which, in terms of material needs, meant achieving financial independence.


    They talked about these things all day, advocating for society to provide more job opportunities for women, but this couldn''t be achieved all at once.


    Many of the major jobs were ones that women couldn''t engage in, such as heavy physicalbor, limiting the jobs avable to them.


    Moreover, with the current economic downturn and high unemployment rates, women faced even more challenges in the workce.


    At this moment, the appearance of hundreds, even thousands, or more job positions specifically tailored for women was undoubtedly big news. It could even shake the structure of the state''s Women''s Rights Protection Association. It was no wonder the state office was so nervous and eager to learn more about the situation."I didn''t tell them..." Elena, standing by the window, looked through the bright window at the girls of various ages gathered downstairs, a hint of a smile appearing on her face. "This is our victory."


    With the support of these people and the thousands or more job opportunities mentioned by Lin Qi, coupled with the sudden enthusiasm from the state office, Elena only now realized that she might have a chance to move up thedder.


    Although the Women''s Rights Protection Association was not an official organization in a strict sense, and it was just a non-official, non-profit, grassroots organization, it still possessed considerable power and influence.


    Even some socialites, celebrities, and wives of politicians were members of this association, indicating its political influence.


    Though not an official organization, it was hardly distinguishable from one.


    From being the president of a second-tier city''s association to taking on a significant role in the state office, with the potential to ascend to the headquarters of the association in the future, thus embarking on a new journey.


    This was a crucial opportunity, one she would definitely not let slip away!


    ncing at the watch on her wrist, Elena saw it was almost ten o''clock. After speaking with the state office over the phone, she immediately called Lin Qi, hoping to meet and talk with him.


    On one hand, she wanted to dispel any misunderstandings that might exist between them, and on the other hand, she wanted to bring Lin Qi into her camp, or at least made him not to be easily swayed by a few words from those despicable individuals in the state office.


    Everyone needed supporters, and she did too.


    "As for us..."


    As she was rallying these people, there was a knock on the office door. A young girl, blushing, stood outside. "Mr. Lin Qi has arrived..."


    Elena was slightly taken aback. She was about to ask how Lin Qi had arrived since she hadn''t seen his car, but she quickly dismissed the question. Meeting Lin Qi was more important than pondering how he got here.


    "Let... no, please let him in." Elena straightened her attire and walked to her desk. Other people in the office also stood up.


    About twenty secondster, Lin Qi walked in from the door. It must be said that the appearance of a handsome young man instantly made the women in the room have a good impression of him.


    Especially President Elena. Besides her usual expressions, there was a hint of surprise, the kind of surprise an elder would have toward children.


    Lin Qi''s appearance was deceptive. What was more frightening was that he was not one of those ordinary kids trying to prove his abilities were far beyond his appearance.


    There were always some children like that. Their minds didn''t seem to be very bright, always trying to prove that their excellence had nothing to do with their appearance, but they ignored that appearance was also part of their excellence.


    Lin Qi never had such thoughts. Decades of social experience made him very clear that anything that could help him was a good thing.


    Whether it was good looks or sweet words, as long as he could gain enough benefits, he didn''t mind beingbeled with these tags.


    In order tomunicate with thedies in the room today, Lin Qi deliberately changed his appearance to make himself look younger.


    "This is Ms. Elena, the president of the local Women''s Rights Protection Association..." Introduced by Conor (¿µÄÉ), Lin Qi greeted everyone and stood in front of the desk.


    He always wore a smile on his face, warmly extending his hand to shake hands with Ms. Elena. His smile was so clean, so pure, as if he were not one of those capitalists people imagined.


    At least capitalists would rarely have such a clean smile; theirs were ugly and dirty.


    "Nice to meet you..." Lin Qi added, "Seeing you reminds me of some elders..." He paused for a moment, a nostalgic look appearing on his face, but he quickly wiped it away. "Sorry, Ms. Elena, I got slightly distracted."


    Lin Qi''s distraction didn''t cause any dissatisfaction in President Elena. She smiled amiably. "To have elders in your heart all the time shows that you''re a good kid..." She looked at Lin Qi with smiles on her face. "Sorry, my child is probably your age. I shouldn''t call you that..."


    She meant she shouldn''t address Lin Qi as "kid" since he was an important resource and a businessman, not just a child.


    Lin Qi seemed to feel no offense whatsoever. He didn''t let go of President Elena''s hand and said, "It''s okay. I can do many things well enough, but I can never catch up with elders in age. Calling me kid is the right given to you by time and years, Ms. Elena."


    "A true young gentleman..." President Elena was even happier. She let go of his hand and invited Lin Qi to sit down. "Today, I asked you toe here mainly to resolve some small misunderstandings and disagreements between us yesterday."


    Lin Qi raised his hand slightly to interrupt President Elena''s words. If an adult man did this, and if he were a bit uglier, she might think it was ack of respect for women by men.


    But when a young, handsome "little gentleman" like him did it, President Elena didn''t feel the slightest difort. Instead, she smiled at him, curious about what he was going to say.


    Lin Qi first apologized for his rudeness and received forgiveness from President Elena. Then he smiled and said, "Since these are misunderstandings, let''s put an end to them. Don''t let them continue to upy our minds and dominate our emotions. Let''s talk about the real issue."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 107:

    Chapter 107:


    The meeting between Lin Qi and the local Women''s Rights Protection Association president was destined to be a sessful one.


    With both sides prepared, as long as neither breached the other''s bottom-line principles, there was nothing that couldn''t be negotiated and resolved.


    Lin Qi directly informed President Elena that he could currently provide about a hundred job positions initially. Some were rted to women''s rugby yers and associated support roles, while others were rted to his Interster Trading Company.


    Expansion of thepany required diversification. Sometimes, egging each other on could indeed boost morale, but the decrease in resilience due to increased toughness shouldn''t be overlooked either. Otherwise, even steel could shatter like ss with a single fall.


    The solution was to introduce some female employees as a bnce. Additionally, Lin Qi intended to arrange telephone operator positions, which would be more suitable for women than easily angered, impatient men.


    President Elena once againmended Lin Qi''s honesty, but she also had some requirements and opinions of her own.


    Setting up these job positions wouldn''t be aplished in just a few days. She understood that it would take time, but she hoped that when arranging these positions, Lin Qi would preferablymunicate with the local association, even if it was just a phone call.


    This would prevent misunderstandings between them and improve efficiency. As the local association president, she expressed that there might be some tasks Lin Qi wouldn''t handle well, but would be simpler for the association.


    Overall, there were two main points. First, the Women''s Rights Protection Association would fully support Lin Qi''s n to promote "female professional athletes" locally and statewide. Ms. Elena would also mobilize her own forces to initiate a nationwide sports equality movement.Second, Lin Qi needed to provide more suitable job positions for women for President Elena to manage, including positions in other cities, all of which would need to be arranged by the association in Sabin City. This was President Elena''s bottom line.


    With no major disagreements, the verbal agreement was reached. Some other individuals were present as third-party witnesses. This verbal agreement itself had legal significance, although it wasn''t as straightforward as a formal contract and could have some variables.


    However, there was no need to worry about these variables until new, irreconcble conflicts arose between the two parties.


    After leaving the association, Lin Qi went to the club. Since signing the agreement yesterday, this club had officially be his property. Today, Kane had gathered everyone, waiting for the new owner''s inspection.


    Others in the club were very happy that someone was willing to take over. At least they wouldn''t have to depend on the whims of the people in the Athletes'' Association every month for their sries anymore. They now had a somewhat brighter future.


    For those unwilling to transfer, mainly the professional athletes no one wanted, they could finally return to the sports field. They were tired of the hard work and preferred the easier life of an athlete, which would also bring in more money.


    In the afternoon, Lin Qi arrived, having subtly adjusted his morning hairstyle and donned a dark-colored professional suit. In an instant, he shifted from being a young, vibrant, and handsome youth to a mature adult with an air of sophistication.


    On the training field behind the club, Lin Qi saw these people.


    There were probably more than thirty of them, and each month, their sries alone would amount to over seven thousand bucks. When Lin Qi signed the agreement, the people from the Athletes'' Association who came to sign the contract were practically beaming.


    With Lin Qi taking over, they no longer needed to bear the maintenance costs of a useless club, not to mention the "debt."


    Lin Qi didn''t make any direct statements to them. He briefly discussed his vision for the club''s future and then let them go about their business, summoning Kane to the office.


    Closing the door, the atmosphere in the manager''s office became tense. Lin Qi sat behind the desk, expressionless but with a deep gaze, which made Kane''s heart sink, feeling a suffocating pressure.


    "Boss¡­" Kane started, breaking the silence in the room, but his words didn''t finish as Lin Qi interrupted him, "Apart from electricians and plumbers, everyone else is terminated, including the athletes."


    Kane forced an ugly smile. Among the thirty-odd people, there were only three electricians and plumbers. The rest were former team athletes and some corresponding professionals, including coaches, coaching assistants, and janitors.


    Running a team required more than just a head coach. Under a head coach, there were often specialized coaches for different aspects like physical fitness and explosive power. These coaches were responsible for arranging daily training activities ording to the head coach''s requirements.


    Below them were assistants who recorded each athlete''s physical condition for the head coach to have up-to-date information.


    It was a sizable group. Besides, there were also some athletes who couldn''t transfer. Essentially, they were no longer athletes.


    They received the lowest living allowance from the Athletes'' Association while looking for other jobs outside. Many hadpletely lost their athletic physique, and most importantly, they were getting older.


    A professional athlete''s career usuallysted around ten years, assuming they maintained their form and participated inpetitions and training continuously.


    Now, with the club not maintaining training andpetitions for several years, everyone was out of shape. Lin Qi even smelled heavy alcohol on the head coach, suggesting a potential drinking problem.


    Perhaps he was a good coach, but he wasn''t what Lin Qi needed.


    Lin Qi''s fingers tapped on the desk twice, the dull sound making Kane''s heart skip a beat, feeling a momentary palpitation, followed by his reiterating his decision, "They''re all fired."


    Kane lowered his head in silence. These colleagues had been serving this club together with him for quite a long time, roughly around fifteen years in total; some had been in the club even longer than he had.


    Before Lin Qi arrived, they crawled forward in the darkness, encouraging each other, and anticipating the arrival of light.


    The light eventually came, and Lin Qi''s takeover immediately brought improvement to the club. But was it not somewhat cruel if this hope came at the expense of sacrificing these colleagues?


    They awaited the light, but what arrived was not a blessing, but a judgment.


    Kane, in his silence, pondered deeply. When Lin Qi dismissed Julie, he didn''t speak up. It was too sudden, and he didn''t even know what to say.


    Now, as Lin Qi demanded the dismissal of others, he started to hesitate. Should he speak up? At the same time, he was afraid. Afraid that by opposing Lin Qi''s demands, he would be one of "those people."


    He still harbored the desire to lead the club back to glory. He had given his youth to this club. If he had to leave now, it would be more painful than death.


    He didn''t have many ideals or life ambitions. He just wanted to stand on the sidelines of the training ground, watching those guys run with smiles on their faces, striving for the championship.


    He had thought his silence was umting strength to make a powerful statement. But soon he realized his silence was apromise.


    "They¡­ for the club..."


    "For those whose contracts haven''t expired, provide an additional three months'' sry aspensation. For those whose contracts are expiring, cease renewal procedures and provide one month''s sry aspensation. This is the final decision."


    Lin Qi''s voice was filled with unquestionable authority, leaving Kane silent in the end.


    After what felt like thirty seconds, Lin Qi spoke again, "Kane, understand this, I''m under immense pressure to take over this club. But since I''ve taken over, I''ll breathe new life into it."


    "I''ve already negotiated with the mayor. Arger area outside the city''s ring road will be allocated for us to build aprehensive training ground. We''ll have better facilities and a more efficient logistical system."


    "I''m also prepared to bring in young, new yers¡ªstronger, more reliable coaches, and a more scientific training methods¡­."


    "By early next year at thetest, the Sabin City Professional Rugby Team will step onto the league field. This is what everyone hopes for."


    "Do you understand what you have to do, right?"


    Though only a twenty-something young man, his words carried immense pressure, making Kane''s breathing be heavier.


    After a moment, under Lin Qi''s gaze, Kane nodded. "I understand, boss."


    Lin Qi nodded, his finger tapping the table. "Good. I want to see the results by next week. You can leave now."


    With a heavy sigh, Kane left the room. Standing outside the office, he realized that this room behind him was his own office.


    He somewhat understood Lin Qi''s decision to dismiss these people, but emotionally, it was still hard to ept.


    If these "veterans" weren''t gotten rid of, Lin Qi would find it difficult topletely control the situation here.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 108:

    Chapter 108:


    "The Number of EaseLink Exchange''s(Ò×Þ¢½»Ò×Ëù) Prior Trading Seats Sets New Record Again!"


    Early in the morning, Lin Qi sat in the dining room watching the maid in a short skirt moving around in front of him, bending down from time to time to diligently maintain the cleanliness of the room. It was all just simple household chores, yet she managed to create a different atmosphere.


    In reality, Lin Qi was well aware that this woman in her twenties wanted to have deeper private interaction with him.


    Five years ago, a beautiful woman, even if she didn''t know anything, could be a receptionist at a majorpany, an office secretary, or even an executive secretary as long as she was attractive enough.


    But today, five yearster, these women had left their previous positions, and some even lost some of their normal social work abilities due to their work over the past five years.


    However, Lin Qi believed that most of them could still live well. At least during these five years, they had mastered some alternative survival skills.


    Taking his gaze away from the maid''s thin-strapped stockings, Lin Qi picked up the Trading Report newspaper and was immediately drawn to the third section.


    The Baylor Federation had three major exchanges: "EaseLink," "United(ÁªºÏ)," and "ProsperaCorp(Ê¢»ª)." They were located respectively in the federal capital, the economic center, and the capital of the southern state of Dend(µÂ˹À¼ÌØ), but their main trading halls were all in the federal capital.


    Due to limitations in information dissemination, the three major exchanges jointly developed a more advanced information processing method to share more urate data and trading information in a shorter time.However, this system also had its limitations, such as transmission distance, so the main trading halls were basically located together. As for trading halls in other ces, there might be a short dy in information, ranging from twenty seconds to a minute.


    The specific dy depended on the overall traffic of the federal telephonemunication at that time. If there weren''t many people on themunication mainline, the speed of information update would be faster.


    But overall, those who truly wanted to y the financial game would choose to trade in the federal capital city of Bupayne (²¼Åå¶÷).


    With the three major stock exchanges in the same district, the urban nning blocks where they were located were called "the Gem on the Crown(Íõ¹ÚÉϵı¦Ê¯)" by people. The entire federation, and even some billionaires and capitalists outside the federation, gathered here, living each day in a world of numbers and games.


    Walking on this street, one could see the various facets of life.


    Some people might be in their sixties or seventies, still walking briskly, their faces full of vigorous vitality, and a sense of ease in facing life.


    Some might only be in their twenties or thirties but already struggling to move forward, with signs of weariness on their faces that shouldn''t have appeared at their age.


    It was a magical ce, where countless people went crazy for numbers, and countless others died early for these numbers...


    To be a part of it, to be the focus of attention, was simple: one needed to have a trading seat in any of the three major exchanges.


    Simrly restricted by information processing issues, trading matching was still manually done so far. This meant they couldn''t handle arge volume of trading information simultaneously, so the exchanges regted the size of trades.


    It might seem foolish, but it maximized the avoidance of potential errors during trading.


    Initially, the three major exchanges didn''t have strict requirements for trading seats. However, as more and more funds flowed into the securities market, the three major exchanges began to limit the number of trading seats, making trading seats themselves an important resource.


    Following the principle of no increase but transferable, the price of trading seats started soaring from tens of thousands in the early years. Just yesterday afternoon, a priority trading seat in the ProsperaCorp Exchange was transferred for a million, directly surpassing the 970,000 price Lin Qi had created two times beforeing to this world, bing a new legend.


    Why could the price of trading seats rise so high? It was still rted to the number of trading seats. Even if ordinary people had stock ounts and stood in the exchange, they were merely spectators.


    If they wanted to trade stocks, they first needed their own traders to handle these transactions.


    However, with the world''s attention focused here, and trading seats and the traders on them were limited, why would they trade stocks for an ordinary person?


    Perhaps they would initially, but with the rise of major brokerage firms and financialpanies, people gradually got pushed out of the exchange, seeing enormous business opportunities here.


    Ordinary people who wanted to trade stocks had to find a stockbroker. Behind the stockbroker was a brokerage firm that owned trading seats in the three major exchanges. They would ssify the investor''s level based on their investment amount, allocate different resources ordingly, and take amission.


    Nowadays, almost sixty percent of all trading seats in the three major exchanges were firmly held by brokerage firms.


    Like the priority trading seat traded yesterday, it was bought by apany called "Happy Finance Management Company(ÀÖ°ÙÀÖ½ðÈÚ¹ÜÀí¹«Ë¾)."


    A priority trading seat had the advantage of priority matching, meaning faster matching, which meant making more money or minimizing losses as much as possible.


    The strength of a brokerage firm depended on how many priority trading seats they had.


    So this was a crazy era.


    Looking at the almost full-page praise of the prosperity of the Baylor Federation''s finance in the newspaper, Lin Qi couldn''t help but show a mocking smile on his face. Once the trend of the copse of tangible industries swept the country, scenes like today would be difficult to see in a short period.


    If finance was the superstructure, then the tangible industries were the foundation. Now, with the destruction of the foundation getting increasingly severe, the higher the superstructure was built, the higher the risk of copse!


    In addition, with the cessation of wars worldwide, some international spective capital that entered the Baylor Federation during the war began to gradually withdraw, and the speed of withdrawal would only increase. The financial crisis of the Baylor Federation was imminent.


    This was a foreseeable fact. Compared to the political and economic benefits brought by rebuilding individual countries, ying such high-risk financial games in the Baylor Federation was obviously no longer the best choice under the current international situation.


    In the past, people chose the Baylor Federation as a haven for funds because of its rapid economic development and its status as a non-belligerent country. People didn''t need to worry about their purchases being destroyed by war, nor did they need to worry about their funds bing spoils of war plundered by the victorious side.


    But now, with better options avable, they wouldn''t stay here. Just like how they transferred money into the federation instead of supporting funds to leave the country during the war.


    Capital and capitalists had always been shameless and had no stance. The only thing that could possibly be considered their stance was their desire for profit.


    As for everything else, it couldn''t be an obstacle to their pursuit of maximum profit.


    The more they praised the federation in the past, the more ruthless they would soon leave.


    As for the impact of them withdrawing the funds that had already be "bricks" in building an aerial city, they probably wouldn''t care.


    Lin Qi put down the newspaper and picked up a ss of milk, taking a sip. It was freshly squeezed milk, slightly warm.


    The maid didn''t seem to understand why Lin Qi liked milk that had been heated, nor could she feel the impact of the rich milk fragrance on the taste buds, not to mention... the fishy smell.


    Unprocessed fresh milk was not as perfect as some people imagined. The fishy smell and theck of desensitization through some processes would make many people feel ufortable. Fortunately, Lin Qi wasn''t one of those people.


    He was thinking, maybe after the financial copse, he could go to the exchange and harvest some trading seats.


    A seat that could sell for a million this year, how much would it be worth after stocks became worthless?


    Five thousand?


    Or ten thousand?


    This resource was highly valuable. Although it may take some time for its value to appreciate again, it was unlikely to exceed ten years. Investing in it was very suitable.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 109:

    Chapter 109:


    After browsing through the "Trading Report" for a while, Lin Qi picked up a local newspaper. Most of the information in the Trading Report pertained to macro-level changes, which didn''t have much relevance for Lin Qi at the moment.


    Instead, local newspapers provided him with some important information, allowing him to quickly grasp local changes.


    For instance, a few more factories had closed down, leading to a surge of unemployed workers taking to the streets, making the already unsafe environment even more precarious.


    Or a certain household''s male cat unexpectedly got pregnant, its bulging belly suggesting it was about to give birth soon. The cat owner reportedly even hired a special nurse to care for the pregnant male cat.


    Or a milker on the farm imed he had been abducted by aliens. The aliens took away a clump of hair from his leg and then released him. With the help of a painter, he even drew the shape of the alien spaceship and the appearance of the aliens.


    Or¡­


    Lin Qi nced at the table of contents, flipping to the middle section of the local news of the newspaper. There was a small piece of news stating that Michael, the former head of the tax bureau investigation team, who had recently been transferred to serve his sentence in another prison, admitted to asking his child to take on some responsibilities for him in order to evade legal prosecution.


    Having realised his wrongdoing, he turned himself in to the prison authorities and received his additional sentence yesterday.


    Michael Junior was acquitted, but Michael''s sentence was increased by forty months, which was three years and four months. With the extended sentence, even if Director Johnson wanted to utilize the "Special Talent Recruitment Act" to release Michael, it seemed like he would unlikely have the opportunity to do so.No one knew what would happen after seven years. Maybe Director Johnson would still have the ability to do so after he was promoted to a consultant position in the state office.


    But it was also possible that he would no longer have the ability to do so. After all, a warehouse manager couldn''t possibly have the authority to utilise such an act, even if he was ostensibly promoted to the state office of the tax bureau.


    This was a deal of uncertain worth.


    Perhaps it had different values in different people''s eyes. For example, in the eyes of Michael and his wife, at least this deal was worthwhile. Michael Junior would be out of prison a few months earlier than expected, and he even obtained the crucial judgment of "innocence".


    The state court had considered some specific circumstances, believing that if Michael asked Michael Junior to do something, as his son, it would be difficult for Michael Junior to refuse. Combined with Michael Junior''s age, charges of harboring a fugitive and perjury did not stand, and the state court judge gave Michael Junior an "innocent" verdict in a very humane manner.


    This also meant that the blot on Michael Junior''s life, which had originally fallen on his record, waspletely erased due to this judgment and Michael''s additional three years of imprisonment.


    His life trajectory had undergone some changes.


    Just as Lin Qi expressed his indignation and a certain degree of humanitarian sympathy for Michael''s plight with a disdainful twist of his mouth, the doorbell rang.


    Lin Qi set down the newspaper, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and walked towards the living room. The maid quickly tidied up the items on the dining table and went to open the door for Lin Qi.


    A good job was very rare these days, let alone a job that only required cleaning. Whenever Lin Qi wasn''t home, she would lie on the sofa watching TV to pass the time, not to mention that she still received a decent sry every month. She valued this job very much, which was also the reason why she wanted to talk to Lin Qi privately. She hoped to stay here longer.


    The door of the house was quickly opened, and Director Johnson, standing outside the door, was stunned when he saw the maid''s attire, then quickly averted his gaze.


    Who knew if Lin Qi had some strange quirks. In case he annoyed Lin Qi by staring at his maid too much, or if something unexpected happened, he really wouldn''t be able to exin himself.


    After a brief inquiry, the maid led Director Johnson to the living room and then left on her own initiative.


    "I just saw you in the newspaper," Lin Qi said with a smile after shaking hands with Director Johnson and sitting back down.


    "So, what can I do for you?" While leaning back with a smile on his face and crossing his legs, he said.


    It appeared to be a very normal demeanor, but Director Johnson sensed a certain aura hidden beneath Lin Qi''s smile, something indescribable.


    Perhaps, it was aloof, but there was also a hint of arrogance; regardless, it was not easy to describe.


    His remarks, his expression, were all perfunctory; Director Johnson was quite sure of this.


    He didn''t pay attention to Lin Qi''s act but rather asked strangely, "Did I make it to the newspaper?"


    ording to an unwritten rule, media outlets would typically refrain from publishing anything about local authority figures or presenting them to the public without their prior approval.


    On the one hand, it was to maintain and protect their mystery, and on the other hand, it was to avoid trouble.


    There were always many lunatics in this world who would never consider whether what they were doing was in ordance with the rules. They would only do what they wanted, including harassing people they perceived to have harmed them, even if that wasn''t the case.


    Lin Qi nodded. "I saw that Michael''s sentence was increased¡­"


    When he heard this, Director Johnson scratched his head and said with a bitter smile, "I knew I couldn''t hide it from you. Yes, I did it, and it''s also rted to the intention of my visit this time."


    Lin Qi nodded slightly, signaling him to continue speaking, and at the same time, he realized Director Johnson''s purpose of visiting him.


    But he wouldn''t say it proactively; some words, if he said them himself, might be more valuable, but sometimes, if he said them himself, they might not have a good effect.


    With both Michael and his son, Michael Junior, behind the bar, Michael''s wife may still be uncertain how to face the sudden changes in her lives, especially since no one in her family had the ability to alter the situation.


    The only one who could change it, and had the ability to do so was Michael''s old boss, Director Johnson.


    Lin Qi wouldn''t suspect it was Michael''s colleagues who did it. No matter the circumstances under which they may have betrayed Michael, they wouldn''t allow themselves to be associated with him again. Only Director Johnson was different.


    Unlike them, Director Johnson was a good man, and sometimes being too kind was hard to say whether it was right or wrong.


    After hesitating for a while, Director Johnson sighed somewhat helplessly. "I saw Michael a few days ago. He said this matter will end here. At the same time, he regrets what he did to you before and asked me to convey his apologies to you, hoping you can forgive him¡­"


    Lin Qi nodded to indicate that he understood, but from his unchanged expression, it seemed that he didn''t care much about Michael''s statement.


    Indeed, ten yearster, one would be a just released prisoner, and the other might be even more sessful; they would no longer have any chance of relevance to each other. So why should he care?


    But some things still needed to be resolved. Director Johnson continued, gritting his teeth, "In order to resolve this matter¡­ We spent quite a bit of money on it. After Michael Juniores out, he''ll need to transfer to another school for further studies. Coupled with other expenses¡­"


    Director Johnson subconsciously rubbed his hands. To be honest, he might not be an outstanding person, but he had hardly ever broken thew, let alone done something like this today.


    Upon hearing this, Lin Qi realized it was about enough. He first expressed his attitude, "I have no business with Michael, nor is he my friend. Even if his wife and children have to beg on the roadside, it''s what they deserve."


    "But¡­" He shifted his focus, "Between you and me, Director Johnson, we''re good friends. When you''re in trouble, I''m willing to help you. It''s not because of Michael or other nonsense; it''s because of you, Director Johnson."


    Lin Qi''s words left him somewhat irritated, somewhat resigned, yet also with a strange, inexplicable sense of satisfaction.


    In fact, when anyone''s value was affirmed by others, especially when it was given a higher affirmation, they would be happy about it.


    "I don''t know¡­" Director Johnson was a little lost.


    Lin Qi then took out a checkbook, wrote down a number, and handed it over. "Since it''s you, out of humanity andpassion, I''m willing to assist this poor family, but I need someone to supervise the use of this money and distribute it to them gradually. Do you have time to do this, Director Johnson?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 110:

    Chapter 110:


    When Johnson left Lin Qi''s house, his feelings and attitude towards Lin Qi became extremelyplicated.


    Previously, Lin Qi had given him some money, which he checked and found to be twenty thousand bucks. This was not a small amount of money, and Lin Qi''s reason at the time was quite clever, saying it was an opportunity for him to take care of Michael''s family.


    This reason lessened Johnson''s dislike for Lin Qi to some extent. Regardless of how he convinced himself, the issues between Lin Qi and Michael did not escte further. Instead, Lin Qi chose to take a step back and provided money to settle Michael''s family after his sentencing.


    He was not a good person, nor was he someone decent, but for some reason, people would find it hard to openly hate him. There was some resentment, but not much.


    Moreover, the whole issue stemmed from Michael himself. In the media''s eyes, Lin Qi had always been a victim.


    The solution this time was actually brought up by Michael himself. He was already in prison, and his sentence wasn''t short either. He was mentally prepared for it.


    In prison, he met a self-taughtwyer cellmate who had been imprisoned for minor reasons. He self-studiedw with the intention of obtaining awyer''s license upon release, or at least ensuring he wouldn''t end up back in prison for trivial matters.


    Perhaps because they both felt like victims of injustice, Michael and his cellmate discussed these matters. The cellmate suggested that since Michael was already in prison, why let his child suffer alongside him? He proposed that if he took the me for Michael Junior''s crimes, there was a good chance his child would still have a bright future.


    With this idea in mind, Michael contacted Johnson. However, because he was held in a prison outside the Sabin City area to avoid potential revenge from inmates who might recognize him as someone with a license, what should have been a simple matter becameplicated.


    Investigations and legal proceedings initiated by prisoners turning themselves in were moreplicated than those initiated by ordinary citizens. There were some things to arrange, and the expenses were not insignificant. They needed to prove the court''s judgment was wrong, which was essentially challenging the judiciary.


    Even if Michael admitted to instructing Michael Junior to confess to crimes he hadn''tmitted, the Department of Justice might not acknowledge his act of turning himself in. This would essentially tell the public that the court reached conclusions based solely on testimony without verifying the facts, which was not a good precedent.


    So even if Michael wanted to turn himself in while in prison, it was aplicated matter. Eventually, Johnson had to use the money Lin Qi gave him.


    With Michael''s savings in the bank, they managed to gather fifty-five thousand bucks. After making all the necessary arrangements, the situation finally began to change.


    At the same time, an intern staff member was dismissed due to negligence and other reasons.


    Some procedures were still pending on Michael Junior''s side. He would be released from prison this afternoon, which was a good thing, but also a troublesome one.


    They had run out of money. Michael''s savings were depleted, Lin Qi''s money was gone, and Director Johnson had also contributed some of his own money.


    Michael''s wife had no work experience and was naturally not capable of working. She couldn''t support herself and her child.


    Furthermore, Michael Junior might need to transfer to another school, possibly in another city, which would incur significant expenses. This already broken family was finding it difficult to hold on.


    Director Johnson was a good person, but being good didn''t mean he had no limits. He could use some of his own money to help Michael and his family, but he couldn''t endlessly provide for them.


    He did feel somewhat guilty towards Michael. After all, he was the one who ultimately decided to give up on Michael. But guilt couldn''t be an excuse for helping these people without conditions. Besides, he had his own family and children to take care of. His children had children, and he needed money to live.


    After retiring, losing his main source of ie, pension insurance could only make his life rtivelyfortable. But issues like medical funds still needed money to solve. He had to save up some money.


    Any illness could destroy a middle-ss family. That was why any presidential candidate in the Bayler Federation who imed to have a solution to the healthcare problem would gain people''s support.


    People really couldn''t afford to get sick. Even though this country seemed so wealthy, people truly couldn''t afford medical treatment.


    This led to Director Johnson needing someone to extend a helping hand to them. At first, he considered asking the tax bureau to donate money, butter abandoned the idea.


    Regardless of his decision to abandon Michael, just after Michael wasbeled a criminal suspect, the betrayal from his colleagues and subordinates created an irreconcble rift between them.


    No matter who influenced their decisions, one fact remained: they would never be able to reconcile.


    Forcing these people to lower their heads and donate money to Michael by leveraging his position as the director could ultimately result in Michael being despised and hated by those who might have initially felt some guilt, and it might also lead to resentment towards himself from them.


    In the end, he focused on Lin Qi and sessfully obtained the money.


    It was not a small sum of money. ncing at the check, it was again twenty thousand bucks. If they were thrifty, this money would be enough tost for one to two years.


    He also believed that as long as he asked, Lin Qi would provide the money again. This made him have a veryplex and conflicting feeling towards Lin Qi.


    He should hate this criminal, but he couldn''t bring himself to hate him. It wasplicated and contradictory...


    After receiving the money, Director Johnson immediately went to the bank. Since it was a transfer check, it needed to go through a transfer process.


    Director Johnson naturally realized that Lin Qi issued the transfer check as a means of leaving a trace for security.


    Silently gazing at an ount that belonged to him but bore a name that wasn''t his, with an extra twenty thousand bucks, Director Johnson''s heart was somewhat conflicted. He withdrew five hundred bucks, slipped it into his pocket, and then went to meet Michael''s wife.


    They were going to pick up Michael Junior from prison this afternoon and then have a meal together while discussing Michael Junior''s future arrangements.


    Not long after, Director Johnson leaned against the car with a cigarette in hand, contemting. At this moment, Michael''s wife walked out of the house.


    He nced up and immediately stubbed out the cigarette, going forward to greet her.


    At this moment, Michael''s wife exuded a special beauty. She had put on a beautiful dress to wee Michael Junior back, but the recent string of blows had taken a toll on her spirit, making herplexion very pale.


    However, the prospect of weing a family member back seemed to have lifted her spirits slightly from her dejection, and a faint blush of frail beauty appeared on her face.


    Perhaps Director Johnson didn''t quite appreciate this kind of beauty, but he could sense the woman''s helplessness, as well as her need for assistance.


    He opened the car door for Michael''s wife to sit in the front passenger seat, making it easier for them to talk.


    After all, looking into each other''s eyes while speaking was a polite gesture. It would be impolite to make her sit in the back seat and onlymunicate through the rearview mirror.


    The car soon started moving, and as Director Johnson drove, he kept his eyes on the road while reaching into his pocket for the money he had withdrawn from the bank, passing it over.


    "I know the current situation is very difficult. I can help you a bit for now. This is living expenses, and I''ll figure out a way to get Michael Junior''s transfer fees."


    Michael''s wife didn''t respond immediately. Director Johnson nced at the road ahead, slightly slowing down the car, then turned his head to look at the woman, directly handing her the money, "I don''t know what you''ll think, but you have to understand, the child is innocent. You have to give him hope."


    Sometimes, money represents hope. It''s ironic, yet realistic.


    After a moment of silence, Michael''s wife took the money, neatly arranged it, and ced it in her purse. With a barely audible "thank you," she expressed her gratitude.


    Director Johnson smiled and continued to drive seriously. They didn''t mention lunch, but they would go for lunch together after picking up Michael Junior.


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 Chapter 111:

    Chapter 111:


    The prison guards, who had just seen off Director Johnson, Mrs. Michael, and her son, turned their gaze away from the departing car and closed the prison gates. One of them joked, "Did you see that? That''s the privilege of the wealthy. His kid is barely in before he''s let out. And his wife, so young, she could practically be his daughter..."


    His colleague chuckled, shaking his head, choosing not to add to the conversation. They, as prison guards, often witnessed scenes that ordinary people would never see.


    For some, entering prison and leaving shortly after had almost be routine.


    Some arrived in such splendor that they hardly seemed like they were there to serve time but rather to receive adoration from a certain group of people, and they indeed did.


    Their departures were equally grandiose, with convoys of at least a dozen cars, if not more, waiting outside the prison gates to greet them.


    In this ce, it was not umon to witness local celebrities being assaulted by a group of individuals they once scorned, pleading for mercy as the attack unfolded.


    Others, despite being sentenced, not only had unrestricted ess to the warden''s office but also could freely enter and leave the prison.


    Sometimes, these guards, including staff, would sneak women in; there were always some who could turn the prison into a hotel.


    After witnessing so much, nothing would appear peculiar anymore. Was it truly excessive for a man in his fifties or sixties to marry a woman in her thirties and have a teenage son? Not at all; in fact, it was not even as strange as some of the urrences inside the prison.Meanwhile, after breakfast, Lin Qi went to the City Hall with Ferrall to take over a professional sports club, aiming to revive the sports spirit of Sabin City. If it were just for the use of the city''s gymnasium, Lin Qi would never take on such responsibility.


    He knew well the challenges and investments in running a professional sports business, something even poorer conglomerates might struggle with, let alone him.


    However, there were ways to y even for the less affluent. His choice was to y it smartly, and his goal wasn''t solely about the rights to the gymnasium but also about expanding his influence.


    He painted a grand picture for the mayor, and naturally, the mayor and the City Hall needed a big enough frame to hold this picture.


    It was like him painting dreams for Richard and the others. First, one needed the capability to even have the chance to see the dreams he painted. Without that capability, there wouldn''t be the possibility to see those dreams.


    Painting dreams might seem like a one-sided, deceitfulnguage skill, but in reality, it was a form of transaction ¡ª selling dreams.


    Buying dreams came with a price, whether it was simple physicalbor or a piece ofnd.


    Shortly after arriving at the City Hall, the mayor hurriedly left after a brief meeting with Lin Qi; he was swamped with unfinished tasks recently.


    Lin Qi and Ferrall then entered the mayor''s office. With Ferrall, a familiar face, by his side, no one would dare to obstruct them.


    Finally, Lin Qi stood before arge map. It might be iprehensible to ordinary people; it wasn''t like the maps found in geography textbooks where one could grasp the gist at a nce.


    It was a developmental nning map, showing parts already built, under construction, and nned.


    Various blocks and lines filled the map. If one wasn''t familiar with these, even ordinary people might struggle to locate their homes.


    Lin Qi stood before the map for a while, then pointed to a vacantnd adjacent to the southeast of the city. "How about here?"


    Ferrall shook his head. "We currently don''t have any future ns for development in the southeast area. Southwest would be better."


    Sabin City was located in the southern part of the central-southern region of the Baylor Federation, with a poption of 800,000, making it the fourthrgest city in the state.


    Urban development ns usually adhered to several principles: local economic characteristics, tourism, light and heavy industries,bor output, etc.


    In short, development had to revolve around a core. For Sabin City, the core was the development of light industry. As for why it focused on light industry, that was a state government issue.


    Developing heavy industries requiredprehensive supporting industries, which Sabin City''s poption couldn''t sustain. Besides, there wasn''t a suitable starting point for heavy industry. Developing light industry was actually a good choice.


    Therefore, naturally, local urban development trends and directions had to serve the local pir industries. In other words, the city''s development was mainly to serve its local pir enterprises.


    Not long ago, about two years ago, the Sabin City Hall issued a redevelopment notice.


    To avoid the disruption caused by trains entering and leaving the urban area and to respond to someints, the City Hall relocated the train station from the city center to the southwest of the city.


    It seemed like it was for the people''s sake, but in reality, somepanies, centered around the Listoan Group, had already acquiredrge tracts ofnd in the southwest of Sabin City for infrastructure development.


    The relocation of the train station was essentially to serve these pir industries, facilitating quicker transportation of goods or direct ess to their warehouses without the need for transit.


    Ferrall suggested Lin Qi acquirend in the southwest to establish his club. After all, it didn''t matter where it was built, so why not choose a promising location?


    Even if Lin Qi wanted to sell itter, thend beneath the club would still be worth a considerable sum.


    Ferrall''s honesty and consideration for Lin Qi stemmed from his role as Lin Qi''s policy consultant. Since he was being paid by Lin Qi, he naturally had to consider Lin Qi''s interests.


    Additionally, he hoped that if the opportunity arose in the future, Lin Qi could be of assistance to him.


    His words made Lin Qi intrigued. After some thought, he couldn''t help but ask, "How much area could I get if I built the club in the southwest?"


    Ferrall calcted, "Around 6 to 8 acres, any more and it would be difficult."


    Once an industrial area reached high density, subsequent factories would continue to expand around this dense industrial zone to save costs, forming an advantageous industrial module.


    Items from one factory wouldn''t even need to be loaded onto trucks; workers could simply push carts to deliver them to the next factory''s workshop, saving incalcble amounts of money.


    So, acquiringnd in this area wasn''t easy. However, Lin Qi and the mayor were still in their honeymoon period. If he asked, the mayor would most likely not refuse.


    Lin Qi smirked and shifted his gaze back to the southeast. "What if I built it here?"


    Ferrall almost instantly replied without hesitation, "There are no restrictions..."


    An area not included in development ns for the next five to ten years wasn''t any different from a garbage dump in the eyes of current rulers.


    In five, ten, or even more years, they would no longer be in power. Any troubles would be historical legacies, to be dealt with by those who came after. If capable, they could solve them; if not, there were enough excuses to appease the people.


    That was why Ferrall dared to promise without limit, using the term "no restrictions" in response to Lin Qi.


    Looking at the seemingly endlessnd outside the small city, people might not have realized a crucial issue yet. With wars receding, a poption explosion was imminent.


    Even if the Baylor Federation didn''t participate in the war, peace and financial crises would still bring about a new wave of poption explosion.


    By that time, the current city nning restrictions wouldn''t be able to contain Sabin City''s development. It would want to expand outward, inevitably encroaching upon the vacantnd outside the city limits.


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 Chapter 112:

    Chapter 112:


    Lin Qi already had a n in mind to take over arge area ofnd in the southeast of Sabin City, and Ferrall didn''t try to dissuade him anymore. He knew very well that Lin Qi, despite his youthful appearance, was actually a very determined young man.


    With such a person, one suggestion was enough; suggesting too much might make the other party suspect his intentions. Not to mention that Lin Qi was a shrewd individual, so Ferrall didn''t bring up those matters again. Instead, they chatted about other things.


    Small talk required someone to take the lead, and then it would segue into various topics randomly.


    Lin Qi initiated the conversation, discussing the recent news about the three major trading floors mentioned in the newspapers. Ferrall had also read the newspaper in the morning and couldn''t help but sigh at the situation in the capital.


    "Nowadays, financial trading is flourishing like never before. Many funds that should have flowed elsewhere have poured into financial trading, especially after the six major banks repeatedly lowered interest ratesst year and earlier this year. Even the savings of many ordinary people have flowed into stock and futures trading..."


    The stagnation or even recession of economic development was not something that could be manifested in a short time. There was a process to it. The pace of social development began to stabilize a few years ago, then slowed down, and now some small areas were experiencing a wave of closures.


    There was a clear process. In this process, the presidential cab, with the Conservative Party at its core, had also formted some remedial ns. Their approach was simple: to make banks lower savings interest rates, allowing more money to flow into society, and stimte overall economic development by stimting consumption.


    But the effect... It couldn''t be described as bad. The decrease in bank interest rates made ordinary people think that there was no value in keeping money in the bank. Coupled with the predatory actions of some serious financialpanies towards the scattered funds in society, the money that should have been used for various basic consumption and to drive the engine of social and economic development had all flowed into the financial market.


    Coupled with the continuous emergence of one miracle and myth after another in the financial market, more and more people were starting to seek their own investment brokers to invest their money in the securities market.It must be said that some indeed made money, or rather, in the face of the non-replicable dividends of this distorted era, any participant could profit, as long as they weren''t exceptionally unlucky.


    Even the small yellow slips (Note 1) could earn people a lot of money. The miracles among themoners had attracted more attention, and moremoners were joining in.


    The greater the level of macroeconomic regtions, the more distorted and bizarre the federal economy became. So far, the presidential cab had no better way to reverse the current situation. They only hoped to maintain it and avoid major troubles during the president''s term.


    "Mr. Mayor''s recent work is actually rted to this. The unemployment rate in Sabin City is getting higher and higher. Five factories went bankruptst week alone. Our unemployment rate has exceeded fifteen percent, which is a very dangerous number."


    There was a more solemn expression on Ferrall''s face. A fifteen percent unemployment rate meant that out of the 800,000 poption of Sabin City, aside from retirees and children still in school, about 60,000 or so people were without jobs.


    And the unemployment of each of these 60,000 or so individuals would impact at least one family, and potentially up to three families, resulting in livelihood problems for a significant portion of the Sebin city poption. In other words, about 200,000 people in Sabin City were currently troubled by unemployment, and it could be even more.


    And this number was still rising. Ferrall and other aides of the mayor all believed that by the end of this year, the unemployment rate in Sabin City might exceed twenty percent.


    Some might think that a twenty percent unemployment rate meant an eighty percent employment rate, but in reality, this data wasn''t as straightforward as it seemed.


    It revolved around a core issue: the employment opportunities in the city of Sabin. Once all the avable jobs were filled, those remaining would find themselves without employment, with no opportunities left.


    And these opportunities that could provide jobs and wages were diminishing as closures continued.


    So when Lin Qi proposed that he could provide even just five hundred job positions, the mayor expressed his support for his n.


    In such impending upheaval, nothing could reassure people more than a job that could ensure a family wouldn''t starve.


    Through his conversation with Ferrall, Lin Qi also sensed something else. Ferrall, including the mayor and even the Progressive Party, were well aware of the problems currently faced by the federation. They were fully aware of the changes happening in the country.


    This also made Lin Qi curious. "Don''t you have any measures to deal with it, I mean, those at the higher level?"


    Actually, even at the current stage, there were still ways to reduce some losses, even if some things couldn''t be salvaged. But he hadn''t seen such things happening.


    In newspapers, on TV, those politicians were still touting that the era of prosperity in Baylor Federation had not yet ended. They seemed oblivious to the despair on the faces of the unemployed people waiting on the roadside for their future.


    They were still promoting this as a wonderful era. Those shy billboards on the roadside had be the most ironic phenomenon of the era.


    No one hit the pause button, just watching the train representing Baylor Federation hurtling towards the abyss!


    Ferrall chuckled. "You know, the ruling party now is the Conservative Party..."


    This sentence alone exined many substantive things. Ferrall didn''t expect Lin Qi to understand, but Lin Qi nodded solemnly, which actually deepened Ferrall''s understanding of him.


    In an interview sometime in the future, Ferrell would make the following remark, "Not only does he have a strong aptitude for business, but he also possesses a deep understanding of political issues." And the idea behind this statement was born today.


    Lin Qi opened his mouth slightly. "Political wrangling... I thought our country wasn''t like those other countries."


    Ferrall didn''t know how to respond to this, so he could only say helplessly, "Everyone is actually the same."


    The Progressive Party obviously had some different ideas from the current ruling party, but the ruling party wouldn''t agree to the measures proposed by the Progressive Party. If these measures were sessful, it would only show the foolishness of the Conservative Party. They would prove that the Progressive Party was right, and they were smarter, so they would lose their voters.


    If these measures failed, it would also make people think that the upper echelons of the Conservative Party were fools, as they couldn''t see whether some measures were effective before implementing them, making them look as dumb as pigs. They would still lose their voters.


    Losing a bit today, losing a bit tomorrow, and eventually losing everything.


    So regardless of good or bad, they would eventually lose face. To ensure the correctness and face of the party, the Conservative Party had continuously rejected some "views" proposed by the Progressive Party in both houses, considering these "views" immature.


    At the same time, they touted that it was the Conservative Party that had led Baylor Federation to prosperity. If they suddenly announced that the country might face some major crises now, it would be like pping themselves in the face. It would not only hurt, but also be embarrassing.


    Party struggles could sometimes be very scary. After pondering for a moment, Ferrall revealed another piece of information. "During the next election, the Conservative Party intends to concede. They n to give up this opportunity."


    The situation had be so serious that the Conservative Party would rather give up the re-election opportunity to avoid making mistakes.


    If the federal government were to copse during the Progressive Party''s term, it was very likely that the presidential cab, including the president himself, would face resignation or impeachment, and the party''s ability would be questioned by the people who lost their jobs. People would no longer easily believe that the party had the ability to lead them out of the predicament and would instead begin to yearn for the Conservative Party, which had led them to prosperity in the past.


    Once things really developed to this point, the newly elected presidential cab led by the Progressive Party at its core, would face impeachment, and then the people would petition for the Conservative Party to return to power in times of crisis.


    If that happened, even if the Conservative Party didn''t do well, it wouldn''t matter, because there was a more foolish party in front of them. So the Conservative Party''s concession was not difficult to understand. The offensive tactic of retreating for an attack sometimes gave people headaches.


    When the conversation got to this point, both sighed. Ferrall was worried about the future development of the Progressive Party, while Lin Qi... was sighing happily for the busy days ahead.


    The mayor in the n was supposed to return around noon, but obviously he was dyed. After having a quick meal with Ferrall outside the city hall and not receiving any news, Lin Qi directly entrusted Ferrall to discuss thend matter with the mayor and went to the car sales center in Sabin City.


    He needed a car now. Sometimes he could rent a car from themunity servicepany where he lived, or borrow a car from someone else, but that wasn''t always convenient.


    He was well aware of the feeling of borrowing a car from someone else, so he decided to buy one.


    The car sales center in Sabin City was not like the "Car City" in another world, where each car brand had its own dedicated store. Here, there were only two sales centers, one selling engineering vehicles and the other selling civilian vehicles.


    As soon as he entered the huge sales center, Lin Qi unexpectedly felt a hint of coolness in this midsummer. There were few people in the spacious sales center, and gusts of cool wind blew from one end to the other, giving a sense of destion.


    His footsteps disturbed the sales manager who was dozing off, and soon a woman who looked about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old approached him. "Sir, are you looking to buy a car?"


    Note 1. Yellow slips: Yellow slips were crowdfunding vouchers issued by non-publicly tradedpanies (individuals or organizations), resembling stocks. They were published weekly in the supplement of the Trading Report. Qualifications and funds of the issuing entities were not verified, only the legality of the projects was examined by specialized departments of the three major banks. These transactions were printed in yellow, symbolizing the associated risks, hence the nickname "yellow slips."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 113:

    Chapter 113:


    Wearing a slightly undersized white shirt,yered with a thin vest, striking a bnce between professionalism and aesthetics, paired with a short gray skirt that was indeed a bit short, but such dressing had be quitemon nowadays.


    Jobs were hard toe by now, and everyone was working hard.


    Lin Qi took a nce at the woman, nodded slightly, and then nced at the woman''s chest¡­ badge, which read "Sales Manager," perhaps the cheapest privilege an ordinary person could enjoy.


    In addition to this title, there was also a name, Beth, a verymon name.


    She held a clipboard in one hand, with a pen on the clipboard, giving off a professional vibe while also inquiring about Lin Qi''s car preferences.


    This was amon tactic; recording a customer''s preferences in front of them would make the customer feel valued. In reality, this sense of "value" would often be quickly resold to consulting firms, survey agencies, and automobile manufacturers. Perhaps it was indeed a form of value, but it was one that could be sold for profit.


    For customers like Lin Qi buying luxury cars, their "value" would fetch a higher price.


    Lin Qi mentioned several points of demand: the car should be aesthetically pleasing, elegant, have a touch of seriousness, and exude a sense of nobility.


    As he stated these requirements, the woman suddenly became even more enthusiastic. She led Lin Qi to another showroom where some well-known luxury cars from the federation were parked, mostly sedans.Sedans were more expensive, and they had a wider audience among social groups. Even the President''s vehicle was a luxury sedan, further solidifying the perception that sedans were suitable for formal asions, unlike those multi-purpose vehicles that were often associated with strong "value for money" propositions.


    People''s understanding of multi-purpose vehicles often stemmed from their suitability for family use. So even though multi-purpose vehicles were not inferior in materials and technology to sedans, they often differed greatly in price because they were not considered formal enough.


    Seeing arge number of luxury cars together, Lin Qi was somewhat surprised that the woman could confidently name them and their manufacturers. To Lin Qi, these sedans all seemed quite simr.


    Perhaps limited by current industrial processes or perhaps due to issues with people''s aesthetic standards, sedan styles generally did not differ much. Some different brands of cars may not even be distinguishable from each other based on appearance alone.


    This also reduced Lin Qi''s desire to choose a vehicle; after all, they all looked simr, and the only difference was probably just their logos.


    Lin Qi casually ran his hand over the paint of a nearby car, finding it satisfactory. Then, he turned to the sales manager and inquired, "Do you have any good rmendations?"


    A fleeting expression of joy passed over the sales manager''s face. Customers as generous as this were bing increasingly rare. With a hint of anticipation and cautiousness, she inquired, "Sir, what is your budget?"


    Lin Qi smiled, his handsome face radiant with sunlight, dazzling Beth''s eyes. "I want something that can meet my requirements, preferably of high quality, not those entry-level cars," he said without directly addressing the budget request.


    Beth understood his requirements almost immediately. She promptly led Lin Qi to a bright silver car that stood out from the others. Its front enginepartment was slightly longer, giving the entire body a more elongated appearance.


    Though it should have felt disproportionate, it exuded an indescribable beauty, perhaps due to its mirror-like silver paint.


    "This is thetest and most luxurious model in the House luxury sedan series. Some domestic celebrities and dignitaries have purchased it as soon as it came out. Moreover, its price is less than a hundred thousand, making it the most suitable choice for you," Beth exined.


    Lin Qi took a brief look and, with Beth''s guidance, experienced the fully upholstered leather rear seats with reclining function. It even came equipped with a record yer and radio function. Listening to the radio in the car was a luxury only high-end cars could offer.


    "How much?" Lin Qi asked, tapping the car body. He added, "There are some things I don''t like. Can you customize it here?"


    After a friendly negotiation, Lin Qi finally bought the car for twelve hundred thousand. After rejecting the sales manager''s request for home delivery, Lin Qi left the car dealership directly, heading to the bank to find Joegleman.


    When he found Joegleman, he was chatting with his subordinates. He had been in a good moodtely, as the state headquarters had praised him twice in telephone conferences for his outstanding performance during this period, asking everyone to learn from him.


    Some people even proposed that he might be considered for the position of local bank president. Once this thing, which he had never dared to think about before, became a reality, he would immediately enter the upper echelons of society, and all of this was brought about by the young man called Lin Qi.


    When he heard that Lin Qi hade to visit him, he immediately dismissed the others in the office and personally went to invite Lin Qi in.


    He opened the box on the table, picked out a solid-colored Colofu, and handed it over, asking casually, "What can I do for you?"


    There was an air of closeness and joy in his words and demeanor. As Lin Qi cut off both ends of the Colofu, Joegleman immediately took the initiative to light it for him.


    Lin Qi casually tossed the proof of his car purchase onto the table, prompting Joegleman to raise an eyebrow and carefully examine it.


    Although he appeared easygoing and amodating, once he got into work, he would be serious and meticulous.


    After reviewing the documents andplete tax certificates, he looked up at Lin Qi. "If you want to buy a car, you cane to me. I know local dealers, and they can give you a better price."


    Selling cars, especially luxury cars, wasn''t as easy as people think, especially for some luxury cars. Except for some particrly popr models, most luxury cars were in a state of unsble.


    The automobile manufacturers and dealers were facing a backlog of arge number of cars, which couldn''t be quickly liquidated and were weighing down their liquidity. To address these issues, they often pledged these cars to banks, using coteral loans to alleviate the financial pressure.


    Joegleman could easily get a very low discounted price, and those people who wanted loans from him, who wanted to reduce the handling fee, would definitely have to show some appreciation.


    This kind of operation, which was not considered illegal, wouldn''t be questioned by anyone. It was just one of the many benefits enjoyed by people in the banking industry. They always had good rtionships with businesses.


    Lin Qi shook his head and exhaled smoke. "I''m applying for a low-interest loan. For a car worth twelve thousand, how much can you give me?"


    Joegleman looked at the documents in his hand, then left one of them behind and picked up the phone to instruct his secretary to prepare a pledged loan contract.


    After hanging up the phone, he smiled and said, "I''ll try to give you a reasonable price. We are friends, right?"


    Lin Qi nodded, waving the Colofu in his hand, affirming Joegleman''s words, "We are friends."


    Bank valuations often wouldn''t follow the retail price of amodity. Something worth a hundred bucks in their hands would often end up being valued at fifty or sixty bucks.


    But there were areas where maniption was possible, such as valuation errors, real-time price fluctuations, and many methods that could introduce discrepancies between the valuation and the final result. This was normal; the annual bad debt index was there to deal with these situations after all.


    If these indexes were used, no one would me Joegleman for work-rted mistakes, and the loan department itself would carry significant risks.


    A few years ago, a one-carat Walcedo Gemstone (Í߶ûÎ÷¶à) was priced at around two thousand bucks. However, with the sudden discovery of a local mine boasting a huge reserve of Walcedo Gemstones, the market price plummeted from two thousand bucks per carat to just two hundred bucks per carat.


    This was something that nobody could reverse with their personal abilities. Certainly, the banks also suffered significant losses from this. Jewelry had always been the most popr coteral; however, no bank was heard criticizing the people who handled the pawning of these gems.


    The bank wouldn''t praise Joegleman''s risk management even if these indexes were not used; they''d just consider it something he should do. So, whether they were used or not wouldn''t have any practical impact on him. So why not use them?


    No one would pursue these permitted errors; as long as they didn''t go too far, as long as they didn''t exceed a tacitly epted threshold, no one would discuss these work-rted matters.


    Soon, Lin Qi signed a pledged contract, and then the twelve thousand in cash went directly into his ount. He needed to pay the bank one hundred bucks in interest each month until he paid off the money or couldn''t afford it anymore.


    This method wasn''t invented by Lin Qi. In fact, it had been widely used in various industries before. Otherwise, Joegleman wouldn''t have known what Lin Qi wanted to do without Lin Qi having to remind him.


    For Joegleman, he once again strengthened the connection between him and Lin Qi through this insignificant matter.


    And for Lin Qi, he bought a luxury car worth a hundred thousand for a hundred and fifty bucks a month.


    No one was at a loss.


    After discussing these trivial matters, Lin Qi brought up his true purpose: He nned to sell the current site of the Sabin City Professional Rugby Club.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 114:

    Chapter 114:


    "I have a piece ofnd, about eight acres, you know?" Lin Qi changed his sitting posture, took a puff of Colofu, and looked at Joegleman sitting on the other side of the office desk.


    Thetter frowned slightly. Honestly, he didn''t know about this matter. In Sabin City, there were rarelyrge-scale financial operations, and the situation in the six major banks was basically the same.


    If any bank had recently had arge transaction, Joegleman would know about it first. This industry was like a transparent ss wall to insiders, with not many secrets to speak of.


    Lin Qi''s im of owning eight acres ofnd seemed strange to Joegleman. Before coborating with Lin Qi, he had conducted investigations. Lin Qi didn''t seem to have the qualifications to buy such arge piece ofnd in Sabin City.


    Buyingnd in Baylor Federation was a straightforward matter - if one had the money, one could buy it. However, it also wasn''t that simple. Mostnd transactions were rted to other things linked to money.


    For example, job opportunities. Buying a piece ofnd meant providing a minimum number of job positions to the city hall based on thend''s designated use.


    Or, after buying thend, there might be strict economic value standards, such as the annual output value.


    Especially for industrialnd, not only did it require numerous job positions, but it also had to meet the possibly unreasonable annual output value requirements set by the city hall. Otherwise, the city hall wouldn''t approve thend transaction.


    Lin Qi obviously didn''t have such qualifications. Regardless of how much money it would take to buy eight acres ofnd, just ording to the standard of providing at least twenty to thirty job positions per acre, eight acres would mean hundreds of job positions. Lin Qi couldn''t provide that yet, although he had ns.Having ns didn''t mean they could be realized. If boasting could achieve things, the whole federation would have been in chaos long ago. Moreover, the evaluation from the federal government was much stricter than that of banks. Lin Qi basically couldn''t and didn''t have the qualifications to buynd, even if he had enough money to do so.


    Joegleman couldn''t figure it out and could only shake his head. "Sorry, I haven''t been paying attention to this recently. Did I miss something?"


    Lin Qi didn''t seem to mind. He exined briefly, "I acquired ownership of Sabin City''s professional rugby club. Now that piece ofnd is mine, and I n to sell it."


    With this exnation, Joegleman finally understood. He immediately took out a map from the drawer and located the club''snd.


    It must be said that although thend might not be in the city center, it wasn''t too remote either. It was a good location. Based on current prices, the value of thisnd was roughly around two million. It should attract some interest.


    He nodded, indicating he understood Lin Qi''s meaning, and continued to look at Lin Qi. Thetter went on, "Ick some local upper-ss resources, but I believe you can help me with that."


    "Have there been any generous buyers interested in suchnd recently?" Lin Qi couldn''t help but smile. Every time he smiled, it gave people a sense of closeness. "You''ve said it yourself, we''re friends. If you help me out, I''ll dly reciprocate. After all, we''re friends."


    "I''ll try to help you find a buyer as a friend , not for any other reason," Joegleman avoided thetter half of Lin Qi''s statement, even though it was the main driving force behind his decision to help Lin Qi.


    Even if it was just one percent, it meant twenty thousand in ie. He wouldn''t mind such legitimate ie, and if he could raise the price higher, the benefits he could reap would be even greater.


    As the manager of the loan department of GoldenExchange Bank, one of the six major banks in Sabin City, he might not know the prominent figures of the underworld, but he knew wealthy individuals very well.


    Lin Qi stood up, extended his hand, and shook hands with Joegleman. "I''ll be waiting for your good news."


    Joegleman assured him that he would find suitable buyers as soon as possible and personally escorted Lin Qi out.


    Watching Lin Qi''s car disappear outside the bank''s office building, Joegleman shook his head with a smile and returned to his office.


    He had seen many young people, but he had never seen a young person as enterprising as Lin Qi. Compared to other young people who were still indulging in leisure activities, wasting time, he had already begun to handle ns involving millions of bucks.


    Sometimes,paring oneself with others would only lead to disappointment.


    After thinking about these matters for a while, Joegleman sighed. Just now, he had even entertained the idea of having his son learn from Lin Qi, but he quickly gave up.


    If that little rascal dove into this circle, the greater possibility would be him being taken advantage of or exploited, or even ending up doing the dirty work for others, rather than bing a legend like Lin Qi in people''s eyes.


    Compared to all this, leaving some assets for children and family would be more suitable for people like them, ordinary and unproductive.


    With this in mind, Joegleman began to contact those "good friends," promoting thend in Lin Qi''s hands.


    News of Lin Qi wanting to sell thend also reached the mayor''s ears at the earliest opportunity. The mayor, who was in a meeting, shook his head to the aides apanying him, indicating it didn''t need to be addressed.


    In fact, when he instructed to sell the Sabin City professional rugby club to Lin Qi for "one buck," he had already anticipated Lin Qi would sell thend. Especially when Lin Qi expressed his desire to rebuild a brand-new club, this spection had be reality.


    At the same time, this was tacit approval from the mayor. Thend itself waspensation for Lin Qi. On the surface, it seemed like Lin Qi had made a huge profit, acquiring a club and and worth two million for one buck, but in reality, he might not have.


    Investing in sports was costly. Even for an ordinary club, the annual expenditure would exceed half a million. The two million pensation" could only sustain the club to operate at the minimum expenditure standard for four years.


    After four years, if Lin Qi couldn''t start making a profit, he would have to invest more money.


    Whatever amount of money he took from the club, he would have to pay back doubleter¡ªunless the city hall and the sports council approved, nobody would dare to take over the club, risking offending the local authorities and the biggest patron of the sports industry simultaneously.


    Even if Lin Qi applied for bankruptcy, the local court wouldn''t ept it until he was squeezed dry of every penny.


    Of course, this was the worst-case scenario. For example, under the premise that Lin Qi made a fortune and fled, if he managed the business well, the city hall and the Athletes'' Association wouldn''t watch him drive the club to bankruptcy, which didn''t align with everyone''s interests.


    With such countermeasures in ce, this was why the mayor didn''t care about Lin Qi wanting to sell thend. He couldn''t escape!


    This was a rtively secretive small-scale meeting. The participants were core members of the Progressive Party in the state, including some social elites, capitalists, and of course, politicians like the mayor.


    They were all discussing the same thing - dividing the spoils.


    These spoils came from EverBright Group, a multinational conglomerate. Before it showed signs of withdrawing funds from the Baylor Federation, both the Progressive Party and the Conservative Party found it beneficial to have this conglomerate in the federation.


    After all, EverBright Group provided a considerable number of job positions and paid sufficient taxes to the federal government every year. However, EverBright Group''s top management now wanted to withdraw funds and leave the federation to engage in reconstruction work in some post-war countries.


    While the short-term profits from rebuilding a post-war country might not be as stable or as high as running stable businesses in a developed country, the political and financial benefits of post-war reconstruction far outweighed ordinary business. Moreover, as these countries rebuilt and stabilized, businessmen aiding in this reconstruction not only gained high political status but also gradually saw economic returns exceeding expectations from their investments.


    This process might be lengthy, possibly taking decades or even half a century, but the returns it brought were undeniable.


    Therefore, EverBright Group had to fall. Its n to use the money earned in the federation, belonging to the people of the federation, to develop other countries vited certain people''s interests and crossed everyone''s bottom line.


    During this sensitive period, not only were the top management personnel obligated to remain within the federation, but their funds were also mandated to stay within its borders, leaving them no opportunity to withdraw the federation''s money.


    After some meticulous operations, EverBright Group was investigated for tax evasion. Now, it had almost lost all resistance. Its board of directors had exhausted all their connections, but to no avail.


    Even the top echelons of the Conservative Party had notmented on the actions of the Progressive Party in this matter. Instead, the Minister of Justice had statedst month that even multinational corporations involving foreign funds and influences must abide by thews of the Baylor Federation.


    The next step was to divide the profits. After the copse of a conglomerate worth tens of billions, its corpse could cultivate more than tenpanies worth tens of millions, but how to divide them, and who would be these lucky ones, required a process.


    The entire matter was manipted by the Progressive Party behind the scenes, so the distribution also required everyone''s discussion.


    As the ruler of the fourthrgest city in the state, the mayor obviously had the qualifications to participate in this cake-sharing, as well as a certain referee qualification.


    Everyone was advocating for their interests, discussing their future development directions and ns, as well as what kind of returns they could provide to the city. But all of this had one premise - letting them consume everything EverBright Group had locally.


    These gentlemen, who usually appeared exceptionally polite, were now quarreling like market women fighting over fifty cents on the streets. They even began to attack each other with insinuations.


    Seeing them quarrel endlessly, the mayor, feeling somewhat weary, knocked on the table. The room fell silent, and everyone''s gaze turned to the mayor.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 115:

    Chapter 115:


    In another room, the mayor sat on the sofa as he sighed. He took a sip of coffee, and suddenly asked, "Have the people from Listoan arrived?"


    Listoan Group was one of the local economic pirs of Sabin City, and also a well-known light industrial grouppany within the Baylor Federation.


    With more than seventy brands under its umbre covering various aspects of people''s lives, some had be famous trademarks, while others were just ordinary. However, overall, this was by no means an ordinary smallpany.


    Roughly thirty to fifty thousand people in the entire city were providing services for the industrial chain connected to Listoan Group. Listoan Group itself was an excellent enterprise standing on the position of the Progressive Party, and the cooperations between them over the years had been very pleasant.


    As usual, whenever there was a small meeting to share dividends from society, representatives from Listoan always appeared on time and strived to show their leading role in these matters.


    But this time, no one from Listoan came.


    Another advisor beside him shook his head, "I just called Neo, but no one answered on the other end."


    The mayor casually nodded, making no furtherment.


    Neo was the current president of Listoan, as well as one of the major shareholders on the board of directors. Having just celebrated his forty-fifth birthday, Neo, who hadn''t even reached the halfway point of life''s long and fleeing journey, had already reached the pinnacle of his career.He and the mayor were "good friends," but some problems had arisen between them in recent times.


    The problem stemmed from the Progressive Party''s "arrangement" with EverBright Group. Before EverBright copsed, Listoan''s idea was to directly take over EverBrightpletely, but this idea was clearly impossible.


    Listoan was indeed an important supporter of the Progressive Party, but supporters like them were not singr; there were many within the state.


    After a behemoth copsed, everyone wanted a piece of the pie. It was clearly impossible for Neo and his people to monopolized it. Even their so-called concessions, like the idea of swallowing at least a third of EverBright, couldn''t be negotiated.


    Although Listoan''s contribution to EverBright''s downfall was significant, they did not reap the initial benefits they had nned for. This left many Listoan shareholders very dissatisfied.


    Feeling betrayed, Neo immediately showed a different side from before. He began reducing his appearances with the mayor and other Progressive Party politicians in public, and there were even rumors that he wanted to change his stance to support the Conservative Party in retaliation for losing out on the EverBright case.


    With Neo noting and not sending anyone, it exacerbated the turmoil among the people in the meeting room outside.


    No one was willing to wait to hand over benefits to others. They were greedy and cunning, wanting to take the benefits while Listoan was absent.


    Even if they had to spit it outter, not to mention whether it was nauseating, at least they would have a taste of it.


    The fiercer they argued, the more the mayor realized a truth: when facing these capitalists baring their fangs, one must have a more ruthless predator standing in their position to suppress them.


    Otherwise, even if he held considerable sway, in the face of raw profits, those bills emitting the scent of ink might be more persuasive than his words.


    The idea of cultivating his own vicious capitalist began to take root in the mayor''s heart the moment it appeared. If there really was such a person, would those outside still dared to continuously question his ns in front of him?


    No political persecution, no assassination struggles, just make them feel the threat of bankruptcy, then they would know how to behave like obedient dogs.


    Inadvertently, the young face of Lin Qi shed through the mayor''s mind. He didn''t know why he thought of this young man at this moment; it might be rted to the reminder from the advisor just now, or perhaps it was because Lin Qi left a profound impression on him.


    While many young people were still indulging in seeking thrills and so-called happiness, he had already begun to aplish things that even his peers'' parents couldn''t.


    Should it be him?


    With this thought, the mayor sighed once more before putting on a smile and finishing his coffee in one gulp. He had rested enough; he needed to go out and face those capitalists outside, who were eagerly licking their sharp teeth, ready to tear their prey apart like wild wolves.


    Wearing an apparently calm expression, maintaining his good mood, the mayor engaged with these capitalists who couldn''t wait to tear their prey apart for a long time, and finally negotiated a result that everyone could ept.


    All investments of EverBright Group in Sabin City would be auctioned off internally in a non-public manner, and those attending this auction would be the people present here.


    At the same time, these people also received a ticket to attend a bigger banquet.


    Sometimes the world was just so cold, cruel, and disappointing. Perhaps it had its reasons for having to operate like this, but it still disappointed most people.


    Before dismissing, the mayor briefly mentioned the issue of thend in the city center. He hinted that the municipal government might have a new development n within a nning cycle, which might involve some changes innd prices.


    This was the reason why capitalists crazily funneled money into political donation ounts through various legally permissible means. After contributing their cheap loyalty and expensive wealth, they also needed returns.


    As for why the mayor mentioned this matter, everyone was not sure, but they would pay attention and figure out the reasons behind it. If necessary, they wouldn''t mind making a little fortune in passing.


    Time flew by, and it was already Friday. The changes in the upper echelons of society werepletely imperceptible to the lower levels. Apart from the increasing number of unemployed people and the anxiety among the lower strata of society, there were not many changes, in fact.


    asionally, there were police cars whizzing by, which might be the most tangible change. With more police cars ring sirens, it also meant that the crime rate was silently and rapidly increasing.


    Lin Qi was arranging people to set up the scene at the gymnasium. The Sabin City Gymnasium could amodate eight thousand people to watch indoor sports events here. Interestingly, the purpose of building this gymnasium was not to watch indoor sports events but to watch rugby matches.


    Although it was unclear why a ce built to provide a venue for watching rugby matches had shrunk into an indoor sports arena, overall it was still satisfactory. At least the Sabin City Hall had proven that while developing the economy, they hadn''t forgotten about developing sports and caring about people''s physical health issues.


    Tomorrow, there would be a second-hand goods trading auction held here this week.


    Some temporary hired workers were setting up the venue, while Lin Qi looked at a group of young men.


    Richard, Wood, and others had sessfully been promoted to be the sales managers, a role that was verymon in this world. Each of them had some young men behind them who seemed a bit nervous.


    These people were all young people recruited from the employment center by them. They had no basic sry, no insurance, no guarantee. They were not even considered employees of the Interster Trading Company.


    To circumvent some legal issues, these people were all "partners" of Lin Qi. Yes, they were not employees of Lin Qi but self-funded partners, so Lin Qi didn''t need to have any actual employment rtionship or contract with them.


    This solved some small problems for Lin Qi and avoided the small troubles that may arise from these small problems.


    Of course, he would eventually solve these problems, but not now.


    Inspired by Monday''s newspaper, these suitable young men were quite easy to find from the employment center.


    Lin Qi told Richard and them that a suitable salesperson must first be outgoing, enthusiastic, have good organizationalnguage skills, and be shameless enough.


    He even heard that during Richard''s interview, he would demand that some of the young candidates he favored kneel down and shine his shoes!


    He was a shameless man, but it must be said that among everyone, Richard was definitely the most suitable candidate in Lin Qi''s mind to be a sales elite. He had gradually mastered the essence of this industry.


    Compared to Richard''s cunning and cleverness, Wood was like a lucky boy. He quickly assembled a group of people, who seemed a bit dull and seemingly useless, but that was okay.


    Wood was still very young, he was the same age as Richard¡ªthis was not a joke, Wood and Richard were the same age. Although reality was frustratingly discriminatory like this, this was the reality.


    Ignoring this small issue, Wood''s age gave him more opportunities to make mistakes. Even if he made a mistake this time, he could rectify it in due course, provided he was willing to persist on the path to wealth.


    Others had also recruited some candidates themselves,pleting the first task assigned by Lin Qi.


    Recruiting these people was not easy because they needed to "buy" their seats. Aside from one thousand one hundred seats, the other three thousand nine hundred seats were sold to these salesmen at five dors each.


    In other words, at the moment they became Lin Qi''s partners, they not only had no reliable guarantees and assurances, they also had to pay a price ranging from one to two hundred to three to five hundred.


    Not everyone had such courage in this era, which was why Lin Qi praised the first batch of young men. Whatever they achieved, at least they had mastered a certain degree of rhetoric to gain the trust of these people. This was the most difficult but also the most crucial first step.


    Of course, as their boss, Lin Qi still needed to give a motivational speech and show some presence.


    Just as he was about to say something after standing firm, Richard and Wood took out their notebooks, and others also took out their notebooks and notepads one after another.


    Lin Qi was a bit amused and sighed inwardly. He had originally intended to speak casually, but now it seemed that he had to give these young people another lesson, especially since he was about to get his hands on twenty thousand bucks from the sale of auction seats.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 116:

    Chapter 116:


    "Do you all have the product catalog?" Lin Qi nced at Richard, who nodded in response.


    They had received the detailed product catalog on Sunday, distributed to everyone, including the salespeople hiredter, each getting a detailed sales catalog.


    It contained the majority of the products that would appear at the auction, although there were also some not listed. The reasons for these omissions, besides creating surprises, were also to avoid giving people opportunities to prepare.


    For example, there would be a house, the one Lin Qi was currently living in. His arranged person would supposedly secure this house. Of course, all of this was fake. The eventual inability of the buyer to pay would result in the item going unsold, leaving the consigner dissatisfied and unwilling to continue with the auction.


    Enough gimmicks had been set up. A luxurious vi starting at a buck would be sufficient to once again make this auction the focus of society. People wouldn''t actually care about the final selling price; rather, they would start calcting, thinking if there was a chance to get a bargain.


    This was what Lin Qi needed people to ponder over, not other things.


    After Richard nodded, Lin Qi naturally found a chair and sat down, gesturing for others to do the same. They were in a gymnasium, with tiered seating everywhere.


    They sat in their seats, holding notebooks and pens, looking at Lin Qi with eyes filled with eagerness for knowledge and wealth, much like students.


    After a brief pause for thought, Lin Qi organized his thoughts and began teaching these "students" some useful tips and tricks.He also casually mentioned that whoever had good handwriting should take more detailed notes, as these things might be teaching materials for future batches of "new students".


    Ultimately, Wood was assigned this task because everyone agreed his handwriting was the best.


    After giving these instructions, Lin Qi directly posed a question, "Under what circumstances would you get angry?"


    This sudden question left the young people present momentarily stunned, but soon they had some thoughts of their own. Richard was the first to raise his hand, which was why Lin Qi valued him.


    Not only could heplete the "assignments" Lin Qi gave, but he could also foster a positive atmosphere. Such individuals were needed everywhere. Even if he wasn''t working with Lin Qi, he would still have opportunities to be sessful in the future. Some things were destined.


    Lin Qi nodded towards him, and he somewhat smugly said, "I would definitely get angry if someone humiliates me," then exchanged some nces with hispanions behind him.


    Lin Qi nodded and looked encouragingly at the others. He hoped more people would step forward to answer this question. Perhaps it might make some feel embarrassed, but that was precisely what they needed to ovee.


    If they gave up on making money due to conscience, morality, values, or distinguishing right from wrong, then they had no ce in this line of work.


    Wood raised his hand with a contemtive look, "I''ll get angry when someone crosses my bottom line."


    Lin Qi''s eyes lit up as he pointed at Wood, also casting a nce at Richard, but soon his gaze spread to the others, "Richard''s answer isn''t entirely correct. If I were to humiliate you, would you get angry?"


    His tone was calm, with a hint of a smile on his face, and his eyes weren''t particrly fierce. However, Richard suddenly felt extremely ufortable at his words, a sense of panic inexplicably creeping into his heart.


    He squirmed uneasily, adjusting his posture several times in his seat, then shook his head, "No, Mr. Lin Qi."


    Lin Qi nodded, looking at the others, "Why wouldn''t Richard get angry even if I humiliated him?" This was a ratherplex question. As a mentor in life, Lin Qi had to rify things for these children.


    So, without waiting for others to respond, he continued, "Because I haven''t crossed his bottom line yet. Everyone has a method in their mind to urately measure the gap in status between people. Even if I were to humiliate you, it would be within your tolerance range, making it difficult for you to get angry."


    "This is an eptable level of harm for you. It''s only when I touch your bottom line, causing a sharp pain in your heart or even your soul, that you''ll get angry, furious, and then lose your rationality."


    "I''ve previously discussed how to create some minor conflicts, and now I''m talking about how to make customers lose their rationality. This is basic knowledge, but it''s also a crucial lesson."


    "You must slightly prick the hearts of your customers, making their rationality temporarily fail, while enhancingpetitiveness, leading them to believe they''ve been humiliated by other bidders, thus creating miracles in bidding prices."


    "We all know how dangerous impulsiveness can be. When you''re impulsive, you''ll do many things you never thought you would."


    "If you can achieve this, then you''ll be a top-notch salesman here."


    The young men''s breath grew slightly faster. They had already heard Richard and others discussing the party they attended afterst week''s auction. Various stunning women, whose beauty would make them feel inferior, were running around like pets in revealing dresses.


    Every corner of the room was scattered with money, and delicacies rarely seen on normal days filled the tables as if they were free.


    Alcohol, money, hormones¡ªjust a simple description was enough to get the young men''s blood boiling, filling them with a hot, eager energy!


    Seeing that everyone was basically in the zone, Lin Qi nodded satisfactorily, then posed the second question, "Our customer base actually exhibits a very obvious group characteristic, which is also one of their bottom lines. Has anyone noticed?"


    After this question was asked, not even Richard remained as active. He had been contemting, even discussing with other sales managers who had attended the second-hand goods auction, but ultimately, they hadn''t found anymon traits among these people.


    Each of them had different life, work, and family environments, making it difficult to find anymon ground among them. They could only turn their gaze towards Lin Qi, who simply smiled faintly.


    "Poverty." One word left these people speechless. But Lin Qi continued to educate these young people, "They can''t be strictly defined as poor, but generally, those who have a demand for second-hand goods are often individuals with consumerist thoughts and impulses, butck the means to buy brand new items. Among these people, there are some stingy wealthy individuals, but more are rtively financially constrained individuals."


    "They don''tck the desire to consume like real poor people do, but they also don''t have aprehensive consumption n and spending power like a financially healthy family. They are poor, yet they don''t want to admit it."


    "This is their bottom line, something they fiercely defend. They never see themselves as poor. As long as we make them feel that their bottom line is being challenged by other customers, even a small friction can make them turn against each other, and their rationality will disappear."


    "Gentlemen, for me, as long as the goods are sold, I''ll get my share. I''m telling you all this not to make more money for myself, but to give you the opportunity to experience the best pulse of this era."


    "Perhaps you don''t understand my wordspletely yet, but it''s okay. Tomorrow, you will have the chance to try it out firsthand, to incite the anger of your clients and make them lose their reason."


    "Oh, and tell your clients that they can return the items they bought from us for a refund at no more than seventy percent of the price. If the goods have obvious scratches and damage, continue bargaining, pushing the price down as low as possible..."


    After impulsive spending at the second-hand goods auction, these individuals would quicklye to their senses. Once they did, their first thought would often be realizing that bringing home an unnned purchase was not appropriate.


    So, they would need to find a way to deal with these items. Returning them was likely the first idea for most people, but here, the auction house was only responsible for sales, not returns. Even if people called the police or sued the auction house, it would still be futile.


    It was unheard of for an auction house to assume responsibility for returns; as for how to return the items, they would have to rely on the auction house to locate the original owners of the goods first.


    Alternatively, if they wanted to get their money back quickly, they could opt to resell the items to Interster Trading Company at a discounted rate. In that way, they would not need to worry about debt anymore.


    After discussing some small tricks, Lin Qi bid farewell to everyone. He only came here today to meet these young men, teaching was beyond his ns. He wouldn''t stay here for too long.


    After watching Lin Qi leave, some people gathered excitedly, while others pondered over what Lin Qi had said.


    "I''m starting to believe what you said now..." A middle-aged man stood behind Wood, looking at Lin Qi''s departing figure with aplex expression.


    In the half-month that Wood had been undercover, he had never reported any criminal behavior by Lin Qi, which had aroused some suspicions within the Federal Bureau of Investigation''s covert operations branch about Wood.


    Unable to bear it any longer, Wood''s handler personally intervened, bringing two young agents. If Wood had turned, they would quietly eliminate him.


    However, just after his first face-to-face encounter with Lin Qi, Wood''s superior had already concluded that Wood wasn''t lying. He could see that Lin Qi was a cunning person, as well as a terrifying capitalist.


    He avoided all means that could be associated with crime and illegality, using inexplicable methods to earn the easiest money.


    A despicable businessman, yet intelligent enough to manipte human nature, making people scramble to give him money.


    Such a person didn''t need tomit crimes to live well. Of course, this was just a preliminary assessment. Whether Lin Qi hadmitted any illegal acts still needed further observation.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 117:

    Chapter 117:


    "Cook!"


    Upon hearing the call, a burly man lying on the musty bed cursed in disgruntlement, pausing momentarily before tossing the lowbrow magazine onto the table beside him.


    He roughly tidied up a bit and then stepped out of the musty room, grumbling, "What do you want?"


    Everyone would be annoyed when they were interrupted at such a moment. So Cook''s disgruntlement was understandable.


    Cook was thirty-one years old, unmarried. In Baylor Federation, staying with parents after twenty was considered a kind of "disability". Normal people would typically move out and start to build their own families after bing independent adults with their first jobs.


    But not Cook. At thirty-one, he hadn''t left thisfort zone. Maybe that was why he hadn''t gotten married yet; nobody would like his current situation.


    Watching her robust sonin loudly, the old woman, instead of being afraid, pointed impatiently at the phone in the corner, "someone''s calling you, you useless piece of shit. I can''t imagine why anyone would call you. Is it because you don''t bathe, or because you stink?"


    Cook grumbled as he walked towards the corner. This wasn''t an affluent family; at least, affluent families wouldn''t have a musty bedroom like this.


    But before Cook lost his job, the family situation wasn''t too bad because he was able to bring home a decent paycheck every month.Perhaps it was due to his previous upation as a long-haul truck driver, leaving him with little time for romance, that his rtionships with girls always ended in failure.


    However, when he finally had the time, girls would once again criticize him for being an unemployed man who hadn''t ventured beyond hisfort zone.


    In a few more years, his marriage mighte. At that time, there might be a girl kicked out of her home by her parents, with nowhere to go, no future. In order to secure a stable life, that girl might be Cook''s wife.


    This situation wasmon in the federation. Women often portrayed themselves as vulnerable individuals in front of others, and then they would demand a man who could financially support them to take them away. As for working hard themselves, that was only the mindset of a minority of women.


    Most women were like Cook at this moment. If they could stay in theirfort zones, why bother adapting to the outside world?


    As he scratched his belly, which protruded from beneath his old shirt and was covered in body hair, Cook answered the phone. He had a typical loud voice of a truck driver; after all, truck drivers weren''t known for having soft voices.


    The noise in the cab often made them resort to raising their voices if they wanted to chat with others in the convoy. Sometimes, having a loud voice was also a way to avoid trouble. Additionally, at certain motels along the highway, having a booming voice gave them a natural advantage.


    But soon, his voice lowered. It became as meek as amb. He even awkwardly bent over, with an excited and pleasing look on his face, repeating a few simple phrases.


    "Okay, got it..."


    In the kitchen, the old woman preparing lunch for Cook now wore a smile on her face. She had figured out who was calling. Six months after Cook lost his job, a new opportunity had finally arrived.


    This also relieved the old woman. At least this damned big guy wouldn''t be leeching off them anymore. That was good news.


    Cook quickly made some phone calls. First, he called his good friend, James.


    James was also a truck driver. Before thepany went bankrupt, they were part of the same convoy. James was an interesting guy who liked to fantasize. He always enjoyed sharing his bizarre fantasies with others.


    Cook was often taken aback by James''s imaginative whimsy, leading to a strong bond between the two as great friends.


    James immediately agreed when he heard about the job opportunity. Times had been tough for everyely. Companies in Sabin City were copsing one after another, and it was simr elsewhere.


    The decline in the development of the real economy resulted in a reduced demand for logistics by businesses. In fact, even in some more remote small cities, it had been a long time sincerge trucks had left the city.


    After making a series of phone calls, Cook took a shower, an umon act for him. To save time, he resorted to using a wild boar hairbrush, each stroke causing him to wince.


    At two in the afternoon, Cook, James, and some other former colleagues appeared outside Sabin City''srgest used car dealership. This time, they weren''t just here to look at cars; they were here to meet the boss who had called them.


    If everything went well, they would have a new job.


    Arriving early at the used car dealership, the group felt anxious, their emotions swirling within them. Six months of unemployment had nearly depleted their already meager savings. Though Cook had called even more people, only around seven or eight could make it; the rest had secured jobs to barely make ends meet.


    With their sheer size and strength, truck drivers had an advantage in specific roles, but the group doubted anypany would hire an excessive number of them simultaneously. If they didn''t get hired here and lost their previous security job, it would be a terrible blow to their lives and families.


    While waiting, everyone involuntarily talked about their recent lives. To be honest, there wasn''t much to be happy about. Everyone''s life was a mess, especially James. He mentioned that if Cook hadn''t made that phone call, he was nning to go elsewhere.


    He said he had written some short stories and scripts during this time, which unexpectedly were all bought by magazines and the Screenwriters'' Union, relieving some of his financial pressure.


    He had been prepared to leave, but Cook''s call stopped him in time.


    Everyone sighed with a hint ofment, and it was at this moment that Cook''s gaze was suddenly drawn to a gleaming silver luxury car outside the showroom. He couldn''t help but let out a whistle.


    Perhaps truck drivers liked big trucks, but they also liked shy cars that showed off their status. They recognized it immediately as thetest luxury sedan from House Industrial, priced at around a hundred thousand.


    Then amidst the envious nces of the truck drivers, a young man stepped out of the car, his face adorned with a radiant smile akin to the sun hanging in the sky. He walked into the showroom and approached them.


    Honestly, the young man was handsome, but in front of these middle-aged truck drivers, being handsome didn''t matter much.


    The showroom staff silently watched the scene unfolding not far away. There was no sound¡ªwhether sitting or standing, they resembled wild beasts wearing the garments of civilization facing a young man who was handsome but seemed powerless, like a small sapling against raging waves, seemingly about to be torn apart!


    The stark conflict and disparity held everyone''s breath. Some even entertained the idea of calling the police.


    Truck drivers always had the worst temper among all drivers. They feared this likable young man would be torn to shreds by these rough beasts.


    Unexpectedly, these beasts seemed tamed at this moment, their demeanor so docile that it was hard to associate them with the truck drivers and their current appearance.


    Lin Qi stood about seven or eight steps away from them, with a smile on his face, looking at these truck drivers whose muscles or fat were bulging out of their clothes, then reached out his hand, "Who''s Cook?"


    After a brief moment of silencesting two or three seconds, Cook returned to his senses. He hurriedly took the initiative and approached Lin Qi, even bending over slightly to avoid appearing too imposing, and to leave a good impression on the new boss.


    His rough hands tightly shook Lin Qi''s hand, with a slightly ttering look on his face, "I''m, I''m Cook. Are you Mr. Lin Qi?"


    Lin Qi nodded, and his pinky finger moved slightly, tapping the bottom of Cook''s palm¡ªa very subtle hint, indicating that the other person could let go of his hands now.


    In many formal and upscale social settings, some people would sometimes overlook the need for restraint and proper etiquette like Cook. In such situations, when someone wanted to gracefully end an overly intimate handshake, they might subtly flick their pinky as a discreet signal. The other person would quickly catch on, apologize, and release the handshake, ensuring that everyone maintains their dignity.


    However, Lin Qi misjudged Cook''s understanding. He showed no intention of letting go of his hand, still saying some embarrassing ttery.


    In fact, all of this was forced, forced by life, forced by impoverished embarrassment, forced by cruel reality.


    No one wanted to appear inferior. If they could avoid it, they wouldn''t even bow to the president. But life didn''t allow them to have their own dignity and pride, because they still had to live.


    "You can let go now..." Lin Qi reminded, and Cook finally released his hand, leaving Lin Qi feeling his palm was a little damp.


    He smiled and shook his head, not pursuing Cook''s actions. After ncing around at the truck drivers present, he asked, "Is this all the drivers you know?"


    There was a look of pleasant surprise on Cook''s face. This sentence meant that Mr. Lin Qi needed more truck drivers, which also meant that he and his good friends could continue happily traversing the vast, deserted highways.


    "How many do you need, I can find them all for you, sir!" Excitement overwhelmed Cook, and he used an even more respectful tone.


    Lin Qi nodded, changing the subject, "Let''s go see the trucks first."


    This was the reason he had called these people to the dealership. Most of these truck drivers were also excellent truck mechanics. If a truck broke down on the interstate or intercity highway, and they couldn''t fix it themselves, it would be a disaster.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 118:

    Chapter 118:


    The most directly affected individuals by the downturn in the real economy were perhaps the truck drivers. Whenpanies went under, there was no longer a demand for logistics, leading to unemployment for truck drivers.


    The morepanies that went bankrupt, the more truck drivers became unemployed, and this kind of unemployment was different from that of regr workers.


    Regr workers could still seek other jobs after losing their jobs, and if lucky, could still find a way to make a living. But for truck drivers, without new logistics demand, job opportunities would only decrease, not increase.


    This also meant that once truck drivers became unemployed, it was very difficult for them to find suitable jobs, even if they lowered their sry requirements.


    Truck drivers were a special group; they could be categorized as part of the working ss, but clearly, the workers were not willing to ept this group of truck drivers who earned higher wages, had better benefits, and had rtively easy jobs.


    Simrly, truck drivers were unwilling to mix with sweaty workers, especially because they had their "exclusive vehicles."


    This also resulted in ack of attention from the Workers'' Union regarding the issue of truck drivers'' unemployment. If they could take advantage of the situation and organize a protest, they would certainly do so. However, if they couldn''t, they would simply feign ignorance of the matter.


    In fact, the work of truck drivers was not only hard but also dangerous.


    Even today, there were still many highway bandits active on intercontinental highways, and the hundreds or thousands of kilometers of uninhabited highways were like a journey through hell for every truck driver, with each trip dancing on the edge of life.One small mistake, and they could die on the road at any moment, with their trucks taken away by others, leaving behind nothing but a pile of bones soon to be integrated into nature.


    So when truck drivers hit the road, they often traveled in convoys, especially on intercontinental routes, where even two or three trucks running together were still very dangerous, often with five or more trucks together.


    They wouldn''t stop if something happened on the road; they would just plow through. So don''t expect to g down trucks on intercontinental highways, let alone try to force them to stop.


    But were all big truck drivers good people?


    Obviously not. In the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on highway murder cases in the past, most of the murder cases rted to highways were more or less rted to big truck drivers.


    The most famous case was the "Highway Serial Killings", where a lone truck driver, known for his solo operations, appeared helpful but would ultimately murder those he assisted. After his arrest, the driver confessed to dozens of murders along highways, some of whichw enforcement hadn''t even discovered yet.


    In short, this was a very special group. Outside of the highways, they were just ordinary people with not much difference, perhaps looking a bit fierce, but overall, just ordinary people.


    But once they entered their "territory," these people would undergo a fundamental change from the inside out.


    Lin Qi led them to the outdoor parking lot where over forty truck cabs were parked across the entire ground without their trailers. They were there to inspect the truck cabs, not the trailers after all.


    Spotting one of the truck cabs, Cook suddenly felt a surge of excitement. He rushed up to it, his lips trembling slightly. As he gently touched the headlights, a mixture of remorse and tenderness washed over him.


    Cook''s friend James stood nearby and exined to Lin Qi, "That was Cook''s truck from before ourpany went under."


    "I understand..." Lin Qi said. He was a man of great tolerance and kindness; he didn''t want to disrupt the heartfelt reunion between Cook and his beloved truck.


    After a while, Cook finally came to his senses, scratching his head in embarrassment. This seemingly monstrous man actually looked a bit shy and timid at this moment.


    This was also a significant feature of truck driverscking social interaction; their circle was too narrow.


    There was a kind of longing in his eyes, but he couldn''t bring himself to express it. However, Lin Qi understood and gestured to the staff, "Bring the key to that truck and let my friend take a look."


    As soon as Lin Qi said this, the expressions of all the truck drivers changed. First, they began to respect Lin Qi because his actions showed that he didn''t look down on Cook or view him in any other demeaning way. Instead, he fulfilled Cook''s small wish by asking for the keys to his truck.


    Secondly, he didn''t refer to them as subordinates, employees, or directly as truck drivers, but used the word "friend."


    Perhaps because there were often horrifying news storiesing out of the highways, not everyone in this civilized society was willing to be friends with these truck drivers on the highways.


    Coupled with their narrow social circles, inherent social barriers to some extent, and their irritable personalities, only they could ept each other.


    The fact that Lin Qi, a wealthy businessman and boss, would refer to them as friends, was both moving andforting for them, imparting a sense of warmth and camaraderie.


    If this had happened before, they might not have felt so strongly. But now, several months to half a year after losing their jobs, Lin Qi''s words were like the warm sunlight melting the ice in their hearts!


    Cook didn''t know how to express his feelings and emotions at this moment. In the end, all the words and phrases could only be expressed with a simple "Thank you"; he was a beast who didn''t understand how to express himself.


    After receiving the keys, Cook immediately transformed into a different person. He effortlessly retrieved his toolbox from the cabin, then opened the hood and began inspecting the vehicle''s condition, quickly immersing himself in his role.


    Meanwhile, Lin Qi looked at the others, "What about you? What are you waiting for? Perhaps your truck is also here, or maybe not, but there might be a truck you like. Why not take a look or give it a try?"


    This statement immediately stirred these people, who had long wanted to act but were more restrained.


    With Lin Qi''s permission, they immediately expressed their thanks and took the keys to examine their own vehicles. Lin Qi stood at the edge of the parking lot, watching these truck drivers.


    As they say in this era, the highways werewlessnds, especially the intercontinental highways, where there was nothing to see for hundreds or thousands of kilometers.


    Even on state highways, there were only asional police cars at the entrance to the highways, but they wouldn''t actively interfere with what happened on the highways; that was the territory of the truck drivers.


    If someone could control most of the truck drivers within a state, it would be equivalent to controlling the entire state''s logistics system.


    Trains?


    Well, that was indeed a good way to avoid truck drivers, but trains still faced two problems.


    The Baylor Federation still didn''t have aplete railwaywork that could cover the entire federation due to geological and topographical reasons. Not all ces were suitable for railway construction, and in excessively remote areas, railways also needed to face the problem of potential loss or abandonment due to their impracticality.


    Moreover, the private use of railways was not high, which prevented railwaypanies from developing and growing, making them a thing of the past.


    Running railways was a losing proposition, which had be the consensus of everyone nowadays. But railways still existed; generally speaking, there were railwayworks covering major cities in each state, facilitating poption movement, but intercontinental-level railways were rare.


    If Lin Qi controlled the logistics within a state, he would have a hold on some people''s necks. Even if he didn''t do anything, it would be easy for him to get involved in certain businesses in the future.


    Even if he didn''t invest money, he would still be able to obtain a certain level of stock. After all, he controlled transportation logistics.


    After waiting for over half an hour, Cook finally finished organizing his tools and tidied himself up a bit. He enthusiastically remarked that the truck cab was well maintained, aside from a few minor issues that had been present for a while, there weren''t any major problems.


    The others had simr opinions about their own vehicles or the ones they had selected, and Lin Qi didn''t waste any time, directly discussing prices with the dealership manager.


    For such big trucks, a new one would cost around thirty to fifty thousand. Although the prices weren''t particrly high, they were not affordable for truck drivers like Cook.


    Even now, these trucks were already second-hand, but their prices were still above fifteen thousand.


    After a friendly conversation with the dealership manager and the owner, Lin Qi signed a special agreement with them. Within six months, he would purchase no less than one hundred trucks in total, with the price reduced to below twelve thousand each.


    The dealership would only provide vehicles for Lin Qi to choose from, and how he chose was Lin Qi''s freedom.


    If this agreement had been ced in front of the dealership owner five years ago, he would have torn it up without hesitation and roared, "Get out!"


    But now, his eyelids twitched as he signed the agreement, thanking Mr. Lin Qi for taking care of his business.


    Having the vehicles in hand meant that the funds were tied up. However, the times and situations were changing every day.


    Facing a future that was already bleak, having money in hand waspletely different from having dozens of vehicles.


    Even if the profit was not substantial, or even if there was no profit at all, for the car dealership owner, this was still a rare opportunity to break free from the shackles. He must grit his teeth and sign this agreement.


    Immediately after, Lin Qi let Cook and his friends drive the trucks to the club. After several days of arrangements, everyone at the club had reached a consensus on the matter, ending their careers at the club.


    As a boss and phnthropist, Lin Qi should go andfort these people, giving them recognition for their past work at the club.


    Before that, he had to visit Joegleman''s ce again. Now that he had purchased more vehicles, it was natural for him to pledge them to the bank. Using other people''s money to serve oneself was the essence of "financial games."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 119:

    Chapter 119:


    Inside the club, Kane faced his colleagues, some of whom he had worked with for as little as three to five years, others for over a decade. His face was pale.


    People''s gaze towards him was alsoplex, filled with disgust, hatred, and something inexplicable, intertwined with a hint of timidity and a sycophant aspect tainted with hatred.


    Everyone had been dismissed, but only Kane remained, and what was even more difficult for people to ept was that Kane had be the executioner responsible for carrying out the final sentence.


    It was understandable why they kept the plumbers and electricians; that was the nature of technical jobs. The more hours they put in, the more skilled they became, making it easier to find fulfilling work.


    The experienced plumbers and electricians could effortlessly handle any problem, big or small.


    But others weren''t as fortunate. They were all summoned by Kane and had theirst hopes extinguished.


    The atmosphere in the club was now as heavy as if a funeral had just taken ce. Each person wore a solemn expression, as if mourning something buried deep within.


    Seeing these people, Kane lowered his head and muttered an apology.


    No one responded; they simply looked at him or elsewhere.Before long, the coach stood up. The bottle in his hand was empty, and he reeked of alcohol. "Are we not leaving? Are we going to stay here... and beughed at by others?" With that, he gestured to his student, and then an assistant coach helped him leave amid his grumbling.


    The dismissal of the coach was something everyone had anticipated, but they hadn''t expected to be part of the dismissal n themselves.


    Gradually, some began to stand up one by one and silently leave. They already had other jobs; their purpose in the club was not out of passion but to receive subsidies.


    The Athletes'' Association never ceased its support for professional athletes, but there was a process involved. They needed to be affiliated with a club, even if it was an amateur one.


    While losing the subsidy was a disappointment, they weren''t willing to beg for it. Losing it didn''t mean they would starve, and gaining it wouldn''t drastically change their lives.


    So they chose to follow their hearts and leave directly.


    Some who remained had a deep attachment to the club or had nowhere else to go. They still wanted to meet Lin Qi and see if there was any chance of redemption.


    In the afternoon, nine trucks barged into the club''s parking lot. The sight of these towering trucks driving side by side was undeniably imposing. Kane and their leader, Cook, had a brief discussion, which left him even more perplexed.


    Shortly after half past three in the afternoon, Lin Qi''s luxury car entered the club. Kane immediately led the remaining dozen or so club members out to greet Lin Qi.


    Lin Qi didn''t behave like someone who had just terminated the opportunities of these people to continue their lives at the club. Instead, he exuded warmth, like a familiar figure from everyone''s memories¡ªa neighbor''s child, a rtive''s child¡ªyouthful, radiant, full of energy, with a beaming smile.


    The stark contrast left everyone with a sense of unreality. Could this good-looking and sunny youth really issue such heartlessmands?


    "Each one of you is a hero of the club."


    In the small meeting room of the club, Lin Qi affirmed the contributions these people had made to the club as his first words. His expression was genuine, his voice filled with deep emotion.


    Some of the more sensitive individuals immediately teared up, reminiscing about the miracles the club had created in the past, witnessing its rise and fall.


    The more they thought about it, the more painful it became.


    Lin Qi''s gaze lingered on each person for a moment. "The rise of a new empire is inevitably built on the ruins of the old. It''s the same for this club."


    "The irrational structure, the management system, and the criteria for hiring led to a brief glory here, followed by a plunge into the abyss."


    "I''m here to rescue it from the depths. I won''t joke around with my money. To rejuvenate it, to reintroduce Sabin City Rugby Club to the people, I must cut off its rotten flesh."


    "In truth, it pains me deeply, and I feel distressed too!"


    "Each of you is a precious asset to the club, but we must face a difficult choice."


    "I recently spoke with the mayor; our club will relocate. I will establish a more professional sports center, with a morepetent team to take over the work here and more humble and reliable athletes."


    "We will create new glories, new histories, and write our own miracles in the national leagues."


    "You are all witnesses, even if you are not here at the club, you are witnesses to these miracles."


    Lin Qi''s words were always heartfelt. He paused here, then his tone lightened slightly. "To thank you for your past contributions to the club, starting today, I will establish a Hall of Fame. Your names will be inscribed, and you will be lifelong honorary members of the club."


    "Whenever we have a match, whether it''s rugby, tennis, polo, baseball, hockey..." His gaze swept over them once again. "Whenever we have a match, anytime, you can enter for free and watch the game from the best seats."


    "You can alsoe to the club anytime, see, experience our progress every day."


    "Of course, although you have temporarily lost your jobs, I will reopen the application process to the public. If you meet the requirements of the new team, I wee you back to this family..."


    Suddenly, the resentment toward Lin Qi dissipated among these people. They even became somewhat pleased, feeling that what Lin Qi was doing made sense and was the right choice.


    Previously, there had indeed been an atmosphere in the club that was difficult to address. Many people were just going through the motions, even neglecting their duties.


    Their affiliation with the club was solely for the subsidies; they didn''t care about the club''s fate, including the coaching staff.


    Now, in retrospect, it was evident that when the club faced investigations and troubles in the past, if they had been able to bounce back on their own, it might not have led them to their current situation.


    The Athletes'' Association could guarantee their basic operations. As long as they continued to strive and win, they would have a different future.


    But it was those who only wanted toze around that brought the club to such a state. Without removing these pieces of rotting fleshes, there would never be hope.


    Some even thought that Lin Qi deliberately did this. They believed they could easily integrate into the new club and feel proud of themselves.


    Under Lin Qi''s sincere and emotional speech, everyone gradually began to feel how much Lin Qi valued the club and understood his good intentions.


    They even thought that Lin Qi''s purpose was to drive away some people like this, and then they would be rehired and lead the club to new glories.


    Suddenly, they no longer resented Lin Qi. Of course, they still harbored some dissatisfaction towards Kane, but overall, they were very satisfied. With or without the club, they could enter the Hall of Fame, enjoy prestigious treatment¡ªwhat more could they ask for?


    After Lin Qi vividly described the future and discussed the current challenges with them, each of them left with gratitude and excitement, shaking hands with Lin Qi.


    Of course, they didn''t notice that everything was being recorded by several cameras.


    After seeing off these people, Kane''s emotions were somewhat stirred. Many of the things Lin Qi had just mentioned were unknown to him.


    He didn''t dare to ask earlier, but now he couldn''t help himself. "Boss, you mentioned we would have a new ce..."


    Lin Qi nced at Kane and nodded. "At least 30 acres or more, maybe even more. The club won''t just focus on rugby; we''ll engage in various mainstream sports."


    The value of sports and the associated brands and businesses wasn''t yet apparent in this era; people hadn''t realized the potential. But Lin Qi understood.


    The news of people wielding guns to rob shoes on the streets was the best proof. They didn''t even want money; they just wanted specific shoes.


    In this "barren" world, many things were still in the nascent stage, making it the perfect time for industrialyout.


    It might take a long time to see satisfying results, but once these industries matured, they would bring enormous profits and influence that couldn''t be ignored.


    Kane wasn''t aware of Lin Qi''s profound intentions. At the moment, he only felt that it was worth enduring the criticism he had faced for Lin Qi. He didn''t have any other thoughts; he only cared about rugby.


    At this moment, he believed Lin Qi must be in a good mood. So, he tentatively asked, "Boss, you mentioned that you would recruit those colleagues..."


    Lin Qi chuckled, aughter that made Kane feel uneasy. "Of course, but they must meet the requirements of the new team first. We don''t keep deadwood... no, we don''t keep useless people."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 120:

    Chapter 120:


    Lin Qi''s "game" was grand. Sometimes, when an individual or a business aimed to expand, the first step was to make others feel their determination to grow.


    If they didn''t have the determination to make themselves bigger and stronger, why would others lend a helping hand?


    This was a kind of "special behavior" that didn''t appear much in many books. There wasn''t much description of this behavior and its effects, but it was real.


    If Lin Qi had initially told the mayor that he only wanted to be a small millionaire, he wouldn''t have considered expanding the second-hand trading market to the entire state, talked about how activating the second-hand trading market could relieve society''s burdens, mentioned being willing to take on the club and revitalize Sabin City''s sports spirit, or discussed how many jobs he could create...


    If he had just wanted to earn a little from second-hand trading fees, earn a bit of intermediary fees, he might not have even had the chance to have lunch with the mayor, let alone the mayor and the Athletes'' Association selling the club''s shares to him for a buck.


    He set forth an idea, one could say he was painting a picture, and showed others his determination and possibility of achieving these dreams. At the same time, he could help others solve some problems, so everyone gave him a chance, even many chances.


    We all know the value of courage and understand the tragic oue of running full speed into a stone wall.


    We understand kindness, goodness, humility, courage... including the significance of all these qualities, and we aspire to have these noble qualities ourselves.


    But wanting is just wanting. Under normal circumstances, no one would actually run into a stone wall, but when someone wants to do it and starts trying to run, those who harbor the same desire but can''t realize it themselves don''t mind lending a hand.If sessful, all those who ced their bets are winners. They prove that flesh and blood can break through hard stones.


    If they fail, they will only show appropriate sadness in front of the blurred bodies at the foot of the stone wall, summarize the mistakes, and wait for the next practitioner to appear.


    In fact, such people are verymon. People like to generalize these runners as "spectors," although this term isn''t entirely urate.


    From a certain perspective, Lin Qi could also be considered a spector, but not entirely. This term can never fully epass the spirit and determination of a true spector.


    "These trucks will be parked here for a while. Someone wille to take care of themter, so you don''t need to worry."


    Standing beside the club''s gate, looking at the trucks parked in the club''s parking lot and Cook and the others, Lin Qi instructed.


    Kane nodded repeatedly, somewhat expectantly asking, "What about me? What should I do?"


    He had been stirred up by Lin Qi''s words just now, like everyone else. He believed that for the sake of cutting off some rot, Lin Qi had to sacrifice these "upright" people, then find a way to rehire them "fairly."


    This was just Lin Qi''s rhetoric, but Kane and those people really believed it. This was why people who were a bit foolish often had many friends.


    Lin Qi took out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Kane. "This is from the Athletes'' Association. They said there''s a very professional sports team at this address. Go contact them and see if they cane over."


    The Athletes'' Association was also very aware of the situation here in Sabin City. After being abandoned for several years, if they still wanted to revitalize and achieve good results with these people, it might only be possible in movies.


    In reality, once athletes'' conditions haven''t been well maintained, and they slide from their peak state, it''ll be very difficult to train them back up.


    Coaches are the same. Without participating in tactical discussions orpeting with other teams for several years, they''ll bepletely unaware of the mainstream tactical ideas and response methods, falling behind the times.


    So the Athletes'' Association thoughtfully gave Lin Qi a business card. There was a quite professional coaching team on it, but the head coach had a bit of a temper and was currently idle at home.


    Was this the Athletes'' Association''s help to Lin Qi?


    Not entirely. Who knows what kind of connection this coach had used, but that was not important. If he was a capable person, Lin Qi didn''t mind a capable person being a bit entric.


    But if he was not capable, he and those behind him would understand the consequences of deceiving Mr. Lin Qi.


    After receiving the business card, Kane immediately left. At a time when the club was undergoing drastic changes, he hoped to rebuild the club as soon as possible. Only then could he feel at ease.


    After discussing matters of reorganization and the need for more truck drivers with Cook and the others, Lin Qi left. In the afternoon, he had a signing ceremony with the Sabin City Disabled Persons'' Association.


    He would hire ten registered disabled persons from the association to work for him. Lin Qi only needed to provide them with the minimum wage, which he could easily afford.


    He would pay seventy percent of these employees'' wages, while the remaining thirty percent would be assisted by various caring funds to be distributed by Lin Qi. This was also a measure to encourage businesses to hire these people.


    Of course, Mr. Lin Qi was a kind and generous phnthropist. He would give a little more to show his kindness, goodness, and righteousness.


    These disabled employees actually couldn''t bring Lin Qi much in terms of tax deductions, but their influence in society and their role were very formidable.


    No bigpany would rely on hiring these people to evade taxes. If they hired tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of disabled people, they might not need to evade taxes anymore because they would already be dragged down by these people.


    Lin Qi''s purpose in doing this was his sense of responsibility to society. He wanted to take on more social responsibility. Secondly, this special group had a very strong influence in society. They could easily calm the restless society and make people listen to their voices, swiftly aligning them with their perspective to consider their interests. It was a rather frightening and magical ability.


    Even the president of the Federal Conservative Party had to sit patiently and listen to the chairman of the Baylor Federal Disabled Persons'' Association''s chatter and then give affirmative answers.


    Political correctness?


    No, this was what people wanted.


    The chairman of Disabled Persons'' Association branch in Sabin City was a very kinddy, probably in her fifties, with permed hair that was starting to turn gray.


    She was dressed modestly, with no ornaments, but she was well-groomed and exuded an air of grace.


    When she saw Lin Qi, she kept smiling. Apart from the crow''s feet around her eyes, there were no other wrinkles on her face when she smiled.


    "Thank you for your support for our cause, and thank you for your kindness and goodness." In the presence of reporters and other staff, the branch chairman praised Lin Qi warmly.


    Lin Qi behaved humbly and calmly. He slightly changed his hairstyle to make himself look a bit younger. He was a cunning scoundrel who knew how to deal with older women.


    "This is what I should do, madam," He voluntarily grasped the branch president''s hand, not releasing it immediately, and engaged in lively conversation. "If the entire society remains indifferent to special groups, maintaining apathy, then this society is sick."


    "I don''t know what others would do or say, but I will definitely do my best to help them whenever I can."


    "Perhaps the help I give them won''t change everyone''s lives, but I believe the assistance I provide can warm their hearts and make them believe that true goodness still exists in this society."


    The branch chairman nodded. "You''re right. As long as there''s hope, there''s a future..."


    The two of them signed their names in front of the reporters. There might not have been many reporters present, and this news might not make the front page, but it would definitely appear in a prominent ce, and that was enough.


    On the other side, Joegleman hummed a tune as he packed up and left the office, locking the door behind him.


    Not long ago, he had just issued a batch of loans to Lin Qi, with the trucks as coteral, slightly overvalued. This was normal. Evaluating used cars had always been a mysterious operation. Sometimes, it was normal to overestimate a bit, as long as it was lower than the price of a new car.


    Lin Qi had been quite activetely, and as soon as Joegleman disclosed the sale of the club''snd to the public, someone immediately began reaching out to him. This made Joegleman vaguely feel that there was another force pushing things forward behind all of this.


    Bank workers had a deeper understanding of the current economic situation than others. At this critical moment when true tycoons were starting to cash in, it was not a very smart choice for someone to spend two million or even more to buy a piece ofnd. It was even a bit foolish.


    If someone could easily produce two million bucks or more and yet was persuaded to engage in a foolish endeavor, then there must be an irresistiblypelling force driving the action forward!


    And this was one of the reasons why Joegleman dared to manage thend sales for Lin Qi. If something went wrong, he would be the one who faced the least problems. All of his actionsplied with the bank''s standard operating procedures. At most, there might be a little problem with the valuation, but the higher-ups wouldn''t hold him ountable for these small issues.


    With no terrible consequences and strong support, Joegleman knew what he should do.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 121:

    Chapter 121:


    Another Saturday rolled around, and Lin Qi sat on a row of empty tiered seats. At the bottom, there were plenty of reporters, many more thanst time.


    Revitalizing the second-hand goods trading market and reducing unnecessary waste in the consumption process had be a brand-new policy promoted by the mayor. This also meant that Lin Qi''s second-hand goods auction would be promoted in a semi-official manner throughout the entire state.


    If they could perform well within the state, even the Progressive Party''s territory or the entire federation would begin to promote this newmodity system.


    The first step was publicity. Last week, the mayor, including Ferrell, did not believe that Lin Qi''s endeavor could create any miracles. They simply wanted to take advantage of the crowd gathered by Lin Qi to generate positive publicity for the mayor.


    But the results turned out surprisingly well. Coupled with Lin Qi''s willingness to cooperate with the mayor''s actions and attribute the "credit" to the mayor, this led to the influx of so many reporters this time.


    At the same time, this was also a test. If this auction fell significantly behind the previous one in the outskirts of the city, then Lin Qi''s ns regarding second-hand goods trading would have to be put on hold temporarily.


    Arge number of reporters excitedly discussed and took photos. Perhaps it was their first time going on a mission with extra money to be had.


    The money wasn''t much, fifty bucks per person in cash plus some inconspicuous small gifts¡ªpens, notebooks, and an unopened roll of film. Altogether, it was less than eighty bucks, but enough to satisfy them.


    Reporters in this era were really easy to please. These small items could change their stance. In the future... maybe even eight hundred bucks wouldn''t make them bat an eye?The auction proceeded on schedule. This time, using the sports arena added more seats, and Lin Qi also made another decision: those who didn''t have an invitation couldn''t enter.


    This wasn''t him refusing wealth; it was about formalizing the process.


    From the beginning, the scene was lively. Perhaps due to the previous outbreak, people became very interested in trading second-hand goods. Especially in some rted reports, it was astonishing to see some people buy brand-new items at almost sixty percent off.


    Among the crowd were some who didn''t actually want to buy anything but just came to look around. However, these people couldn''t escape the fate of eventually spending money.


    Lin Qi calmly watched the whole process, while Ferrell sat nervously beside him, constantly asking about the situation. This auction would determine the future direction of this matter.


    Compared to Lin Qi, the party directly involved, Ferrell seemed somewhat lessposed.


    "Don''t worry, nothing will go wrong," Lin Qi reassured him for the umpteenth time. Ferrell could only smile bitterly and stay quiet for a while, then ask again.


    He cared a lot about Lin Qi, cared about whether Lin Qi could grow strong, whether he could be a towering tree, whether he could be his support.


    Takingst week''s experience into ount, the auction, which was supposed to start after two, began an hour earlier, starting at one. Yet it still exceeded the expected time, barely ending by seven.


    Staff began cleaning up the aftermath, while the young men sat restlessly on the side, awaiting the verdict of fate. Vera, with her subordinates, was swiftly tallying up.


    Around seven-thirty, the final result came out: four hundred and eighty thousand, with some change that Lin Qi couldn''t be bothered to look at.


    This total was less than a thousand bucks lower than the previous week. It seemed like a good result, but in reality, it could only be considered barely passing. This was because the scale wasrger this time, and of course, the absence of vi auctions contributed to theck of highlights.


    Overall, it was still satisfactory.


    Then Vera handed Lin Qi another list. After reading it, he tucked it into his pocket without showing it to anyone else.


    This list recorded how much money he made tonight¡ªjust over a hundred and ten thousand.


    Twenty thousand came from auction seats, while the rest came from the base profit and profit sharing of the profit line. Overall, he was quite satisfied, but this list couldn''t be shown to others.


    Next was the time for settlement, which was also the moment the young men most anticipated.


    "Richard..." Lin Qi sat behind a table piled with cash and called out Richard''s name. Richard, with a smile that couldn''t be contained, stood up.


    Lin Qi looked at the young man and nodded. "You''re first this time. You''ll get... four thousand one hundred bucks." He counted out the money and stuffed it into Richard''s arms.


    Richard couldn''t stop smiling. Behind him, and elsewhere, the eyes of the other young men turned red.


    Undoubtedly, Richard was despicable, shameless, a scoundrel, a vile person!


    Lin Qi had just found out that he had targeted lonely elderly people. But it had to be said, his insight was the best among everyone here. What those lonely elderly people needed most was interaction, even if they had to pay for it.


    He keenly grasped how to make people shell out money and shamelessly executed it. This was one of the reasons he coulde first this time.


    The other reason was that he "borrowed" a hundred seats from the newsboys and gave them extra money.


    As for why the newsboys sold these seats, it was also due to Lin Qi''s instructions.


    Lin Qi''s goal wasn''t to let people know they could earn money here, but to create a concept: that auction seats themselves were valuable, representing wealth and even tradable wealth.


    In the end, he could even profit without gaining anything from the merchandise, just from the auction seats distributed each cycle, which could bring him astonishing wealth!


    After Richard stepped aside, Lin Qi turned to Wood. "Wood, you''re second. Three thousand seven hundred and ny-five bucks..." He counted the money and handed it over.


    Wood was a bit nervous and a bit excited as he packed the money into his bag, prepared beforehand, and thanked Lin Qi, then returned to his group, delighted.


    Lin Qi continued to distribute money to these people until thest unlucky fellow received his share.


    In fact, he couldn''t be considered unlucky. Thisst guy was a bit older, looked serious, and didn''t seem good at lightening the atmosphere like Wood.


    So, he only made less than three hundred in profit, but he had to pay five hundred for the seat. He suffered a loss.


    He wasn''t the only one who suffered a loss; others did too. Simply put, about sixty thousand in profit would be divided among fifty people. Most of them took away just enough to break even, but the worst only lost two hundred bucks, just a month''s sry for an ordinary worker.


    This was within everyone''s tolerance range and also made everyone excited and eager. At least Lin Qi proved with facts that as long as they worked hard, everyone had the chance to be Richard, to be Wood, to be a part of this wealth myth.


    Next, Lin Qi had Cook drive over to pick up these young men and take them to the hotel he had booked¡ªbesides buying trucks, Lin Qi had also bought two buses for short-distance transportation within the city.


    A week of intense preparation led to a good result. Lin Qi needed to rx and reward these young men.


    Having a good time wasn''t just one person''s idea¡ªit was amon view of the whole society!


    He separately invited thedies to enjoy a very exquisite and sumptuous dinner at the hotel restaurant. This time, besides Vera and the girl from before, there were three new girls.


    Lin Qi''s branches in other cities were under preparation. He would neverin about having too many ountants; instead, he oftenmented the shortage of them. Moreover, he recognized the crucial importance of ountants in his operations.


    Just like today, no matter how Lin Qi tried to hide it, at least Vera knew how much he earned in the end. This was something that couldn''t be concealed. In the future, the operation and ounting of the branch would be managed by dispatched ountants. As long as he could control the ounts of the branches, Lin Qi wasn''t afraid of other people messing around.


    After dinner, as the waiter pushed a luggage cart over, thedies were all attracted to it.


    On the luggage cart were five bags, printed with the well-known logo of a famous brand in the Baylor Federation, "Lippo." It was a luxury essory brand, and the main products were variousdies'' essories, including handbags.


    Lin Qi gave each of them one. Besides a new season handbag with a different style, there was also another small surprise¡ªa pendant worth about one to two hundred bucks.


    When faced with tens of thousands of bucks, if thesedies weren''t given some benefits as well, they would gradually lose their psychological bnce.


    This situation was verymon in society. When most people encountered individuals like Richard andpared their ie to their own, they would often feel a sense of imbnce. ountants were no exception to this feeling.


    To reduce the possibility of them being bribed, Lin Qi wasn''t stingy with this little money. Each girl who received a handbag was pleasantly surprised, and two young girls even ran up to Lin Qi and kissed him on the face to express their gratitude and surprise.


    Indeed, just the handbag and pendant alone were worth over three thousand bucks. It was very rare to see such a generous boss these days. People hadn''t realized yet that appropriate extra expenses could help reduce unexpected losses.


    Fine wine, exquisite food, and beautiful faces of the prosperous era. Perhaps with the idea of taking advantage of Lin Qi, the other two girls, encouraged by the first two, also kissed Lin Qi on the face.


    Lin Qi could only sit in his chair with a helpless smile as the girls took turns "teasing" him, his face showing pure agony. After the four girls kissed Lin Qi, they even began to goad Vera on.


    Alcohol really was a dreadful thing. Under their teasing, even Vera eventually nted a kiss on Lin Qi''s face, just a peck.


    Lin Qi joked that he nned not to wash his face for a week, so that the girls'' lipstick marks would stay longer. This made the girls even more excited. Bosses like him were indeed rare.


    After a while of noise, Lin Qi arranged for the hotel staff to take them upstairs to rest. These girls were very young, and youth also meantck of restraint. They had drunk quite a bit, and Lin Qi wasn''t confident in them going home alone, so he booked rooms at the hotel.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 122:

    Chapter 122:


    Gap, rarely seen wearing an apron, was busy at the table. Up until yesterday, he hadpleted all the tasks at hand and achieved good results.


    Neo, the CEO of Listoan, personally received him and would nominate him as a junior partner of the Listoan Group at the quarterly meeting at the end of this month and the beginning of next month.


    Just being a partner, the quarterly dividends he could receive from the group exceeded his current annual sry.


    In fact, he was also aware that the reason Mr. Neo and the board approved this was to silence him. During this time, he had helped the group handle many ounts and patched up many loopholes.


    Most of the time, these loopholes wouldn''t cause much trouble. After all, Listoan was a pir business group in Sabin City. Even if it encountered problems, as long as it didn''t shock the entire nation, Sabin City and even the state government would staunchly support Listoan Group.


    But when these loopholes were linked to the EverBright Group scandal, which involved legitors and even potentially the president''s cab, even a small issue could be a fatal dagger to the heart.


    To handle these ounts, Gap had performed beyond expectations, finally allowing those ounts to pass scrutiny.


    Now that his work was done, Mr. Neo personally gave him a bonus to thank him for his overtime during this period, and his job position had also been appropriately elevated.


    After all these things were settled, he finally had time to address some small conflicts in the family.During this time, he noticed changes in his wife, Vera. However, he didn''t sit idly by. He hired a detective agency that had a cooperative rtionship with Listoan Group to investigate whether there was any affair between Vera and Lin Qi.


    To his relief, his wife had remained loyal to him. Although Lin Qi sometimes didn''t seem like a good person, their interactions had always adhered to a certain bottom line.


    Today, he personally prepared dinner, partly to reward himself for his hard work during this time, and partly to resolve some family conflicts.


    He believed his wife could understand his difficulties. He also knew that Vera had participated in the revelry after Lin Qi''s auction. Although she only attended the first half, they were all adults; they knew what was happening in that room.


    She should understand that certain things couldn''t be avoided, and refusing wasn''t about maintaining one''s purity, but expressing a different stance.


    How could he, in such an important position in such an important department, stay away from others?


    After adjusting the tableware and arranging the napkins into a heart shape, he nodded in satisfaction.


    He also checked the gifts prepared as an apology: a diamond ne worth over three thousand bucks and a tinum bracelet. The romantic atmosphere was so thick that it seemed to fill the air in the room with a sweet scent.


    The sound of the key inserting into the lock came from outside the door. Gap quickly changed his clothes, hid the gifts¡ªthese were surprises, after all¡ªand even turned off the lights in the dining room.


    He walked to the entrance and opened the door, greeting his wife with a smile. They stood on opposite sides of the door, staring at each other for a moment across the threshold.


    Soon, Gap''s expression changed. As the door opened, the wind blew in, bringing not only the cool breeze of a summer night but also the smell of alcohol.


    He asked, "Have you been drinking?"


    With that one sentence, the calm between them was shattered. Vera walked in with the gift bag Lin Qi had given her, nodding slightly. "Had a bit during dinner."


    Gap furrowed his brow. "I didn''t know you were dining out."


    In the Baylor Federation, dinner time was usuallyter but more formal.


    In general, businesses and factories would finish work around six o''clock, and after factoring in the time it took for people to get home and other activities, most families would start dinner around seven o''clock.


    Gap knew that Lin Qi''s auction would end a littleter, so he deliberately set aside time. It was still early; he couldn''t help but nce at the delicate watch on his wrist. It was just past eight.


    Vera''s mood seemed low for some reason. Before opening the door, she had a smile on her face, a mix of regret and happiness. She felt she shouldn''t have kissed Lin Qi under someone else''s instigation.


    But in that moment, when she saw her husband Gap''s face as she opened the door, her emotions suddenly... not low, just calm, without any waves.


    As she walked upstairs, she nodded. "You know now?"


    "I thought you''d be back for dinner. I prepared it specially!" Gap followed up. Was this romantic dinner he had nned for so long going to end like this?


    Vera hesitated for a moment, then turned to go upstairs. "What do you want me to do?"


    Under Gap''s deliberately crafted dim, subdued lighting, her expression had a sense of indiscernible mockery, "Would you like me to have a little more?"


    This sentence made Gap feel ufortable, but he still nodded,"I''ve prepared for a long time. You can taste my cooking, perhaps it will surprise you."


    Vera hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded, "let me go change my clothes first..."


    Saying that, she continued to walk upstairs. This time, Gap didn''t stop her. He could sense that his wife seemed to bepromising too, which was good.


    Gap''s eyes then fell on the gift bag Vera was carrying. Although he wanted to ask some questions, he ultimately chose to remain silent.


    He believed that a normal, intelligent woman knew how to choose.


    Was it to choose an entrepreneur who was destined to be a failure with nothing but good looks?


    Or to choose someone like him, a respectable individual with a decent job and social status, who had a bright and promising future and had be a partner in a corporate group.


    Having dealt with numbers for so long, Gap had confidence in this regard. Even those bitches in the office who forgot their "briefs" every day would understand how realistic people''s choices could be.


    Soon, Vera came down wearing a rtively casual outfit. Gap furrowed his brow slightly. "I thought you''d choose a formal dress, like the one I bought you for the Spring Festival."


    The dress Gap described was a high-slit, backless, and low-cut evening gown, which not only required a good figure to pull off but also a certain level of courage.


    Sometimes people in the lower ss found it hard to see evening gowns elegant, because sometimes these evening gowns seemed to evoke certain primitive desires.


    "I''m morefortable like this..." Vera didn''t intend to change her clothes again. Aftering downstairs, she looked at Gap, who was pulling out a chair for her at the table, and then sat down.


    This was supposed to be a dinner to ease the problems between them. Gap didn''t want everything he had prepared to go to waste because of some insignificant matter. He didn''t emphasize the issue further and began serving the dishes.


    He exined each of the dishes he had prepared while sharing small stories rted to them. Women always liked knowledgeable men. Perhaps young women would be fixated on a man''s appearance, but women with life experience would appreciate men''s talents more.


    This was a good opportunity, a chance to showcase his talent. He memorized everything he had seen during the day and added his own interpretation before reciting it.


    Just when he was about to pause and give Vera some time to digest the information, she said something that left him at a loss.


    "Can we start eating now?"


    The two locked eyes for a few seconds. Gap gritted his teeth and nodded. "Of course, I made these dishes for us to enjoy together. Do you need me to cut your steak?"


    "No."


    This was destined to be a not-so-warm nor romantic dinner. After just taking a bite of each dish and sipping some wine, Vera picked up her napkin. "I''m done. It was a great dinner..."


    Gap was stunned for a moment. He quickly took out the gift he had prepared. "Maybe it''s not the right time today. How about we go out for dinner tomorrow?"


    Under the light, the diamond ne and tinum bracelet sparkled with a charming luster, but Vera showed no interest at this moment.


    "Have you also used these methods to deal with those women who were willing to kiss your ass?" She suddenly asked.


    With that one sentence, all the romance shattered into fragments. Gap ced the gift box back on the table, his brow furrowing as he looked at Vera. "Those are all things of the past. If you keep fixating on this, things will never improve!"


    Vera''s face showed a mocking smile. "The past? Would you swear on your mother''s life that since that day, you haven''t touched other women?"


    Gap''s parents divorced when he was young, and he was ced in the care of his mother. She worked tirelessly to raise him and ensure he had the opportunity to attend college.


    Single-mindedly focused on making a name for himself, Gap failed to notice that his mother had been suffering from severe depression since the divorce.


    His mother, even in the summer, would wear long-sleeved clothes and pants. At that time, many traditional women dressed like this, but it wasn''t for the same reasons.


    She simply didn''t want Gap to see the scars she left on herself in extreme depression. She didn''t want her son to be distracted by her problems. Eventually, after attending Gap''s college graduation ceremony, this poor woman took her own life.


    This left Gap with an unresolved guilt towards his mother. Perhaps if he had noticed his mother''s condition earlier, things might have turned out differently.


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 Chapter 123:

    Chapter 123:


    At night, Mr. Mayor had just finished his social engagements. Slightly tipsy, he sat in his car, gazing at the vibrant cityscape. Contrary to the grand ambitions and lofty aspirations typically depicted in novels, his mind was surprisingly devoid of any grand thoughts.


    He simply felt troubled, deeply troubled.


    The sky had already turned pitch ck, mirroring the current state of the city, engulfed in despair.


    Many times, people believed that mayors were better than some state representatives or city council members, at least because they wielded practical power rather than collective power generated through voting.


    But only they knew that being a mayor was far from easy, especially in times like these. Even with extraordinary skills, it was difficult to excel.


    Some things were beyond human control, much like the declining economy.


    Every day he witnessed the rising unemployment rate, the wandering vagrants on the streets unable to find work, the widening gap ¨C all of which left him with a profound sense of powerlessness and exhaustion.


    As the car slowly came to a stop, the momentary loss of momentum made him feel slightly nauseous. He patted his cheeks and got out of the car.


    Declining the driver''s assistance, he returned home and sank onto the sofa, letting out a heavy sigh of relief.The maid brought him chilled water, which he gulped down to dispel the lingering effects of alcohol.


    "Has Ferrall returned?" He asked casually as he set down the ss.


    Ferrall and other aides lived in the samemunity as the mayor, even next door. At any time, whenever the mayor had a need, they coulde immediately to serve the mayor.


    The maid nodded, "I saw Mr. Ferrall''s car return around seven."


    "Ask him toe over. I''ll be waiting for him in the study."


    After finishing the remaining half ss of water, he felt considerably refreshed and propped himself up before walking wearily into the study.


    He sat in his chair, waiting for Ferrall''s arrival, pondering over some matters. In a daze, he was somewhat absent-minded until Ferrall stood before him.


    "When did you arrive?" He dabbed at the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief, unsure if there were any sleep remnants, wanting to maintain hisposure.


    Ferrall waited for the mayor to tidy himself up before responding, "I''ve been here for a while. I saw you resting, so I didn''t want to disturb you."


    The mayor forced a smile, followed by a heavy sigh. "I met with Neo tonight. His attitude was ambiguous."


    Rumors were circting in Sabin City that Neo, the CEO of Listoan, was actively engaging with conservative party members. In private settings, he affirmed certain policies of the conservative party over the past few years, iming they put the Baylor Federation ahead of other nations.


    In this country, everything could be muddled ¨C gender, loyalty, love, hate ¨C except for political stance.


    Neo could tell others that he and the mayor had fallen out, while also asserting hismitment to progressive party principles. That was the issue between him and the mayor.


    But now his tone was undergoing some fundamental changes, leaving the mayor to wonder whether he was exerting pressure or truly had other intentions.


    Unfortunately, he couldn''t probe further; Neo consistently evaded such questions. This preliminary judgment led the mayor to believe Neo was still undecided, hoping both parties would provide him with some inclination-inducing chips.


    Those detestable businessmen, detestable capitalists!


    Around Listoan, there were tens of thousands of people working directly or indirectly for them. Once Listoan announced its departure from Sabin City and the state, relocating to conservative territory, it would be the mayor''s biggest failure during his tenure.


    What''s worse was that if even a few thousand more unemployed were added suddenly, the entire Sabin City would plunge into hell in an instant.


    Moreover, with the recent rumors intentionally spread by Neo, everyone would me the mayor for driving Neo away, resulting in job losses and upheaval.


    Angry citizens could end his political career. Neo was determined to force the mayor to capitte, but this CEO neglected another issue.


    The downfall of EverBright wasn''t something Listoan alone could achieve. Many had worked together, including some economic entities simr in size to Listoan. Why would they allow the most lucrative part to be swallowed by Listoan?


    Even if the mayor agreed, other mayors, state representatives, even governors wouldn''t. It had be a deadlock.


    Was everything truly unchangeable?


    Not necessarily. Neo surely knew this. His aim was to make the mayor fight for his maximum benefits, but this was impossible. A skilled politician who became a mere pawn of capitalists wasn''t truly skilled, and his political career would soone to an end.


    It was a dilemma, one that troubled the mayor greatly.


    He didn''t expect Ferrall toe up with an immediate solution when he brought up the topic. This wasn''t a new development; he just needed to vent, like a person with pent-up emotions. Once it was out, he''d feel relieved.


    With the topic shelved, after a brief pause, he shifted to another matter concerning Ferrall. "How was the situation with Lin Qi today?"


    Ferrall''s expression changed slightly. He nodded, describing the scene at the time, which already impressed the mayor. While Ferrall recounted, the mayor calcted and asked, "If this bes a fixed pattern, how many people would Lin Qi need to hire?"


    rifying his question to avoid misunderstandings, he added, "I mean, if his business expands throughout the state."


    Ferrall furrowed his brows, uncertain, "Today, he hired around forty salespeople, several ountants, along with temporary workers for site arrangement and warehouse staff. In one city, he would provide at least two to three hundred job opportunities."


    "Considering all cities in the state...," Ferrall''s face showed some surprise, "At least five thousand job positions!"


    In a state with millions of inhabitants, discussing five thousand job positions seemed inadequate, but the mayor valued them greatly because he knew Lin Qi''s ns went beyond this.


    ording to Lin Qi''s statement, the club he founded alone could create numerous job opportunities. As the mayor considered the potential impact of his other ideas, he gradually found himself feeling surprised.


    If Lin Qi''s promises were fulfilled, he could provide at least ten thousand job opportunities for the entire state and at least four thousand for Sabin City alone.


    While a few hundred job positions might catch the mayor''s attention, if the four thousand positions were managed well, they could support four thousand families, directly impacting around fifteen thousand lives and indirectly affecting around ten thousand more.


    Just one Lin Qi could influence the lives of nearly thirty thousand people, when he wasn''t even prominent. What if he were given the opportunity to achieve even greater sess?


    The mayor found himself lost in thought. Currently, within the Progressive Party''s ranks, there was a consensus that talk of economic development should be set aside for now, and the focus should shift to addressing the people''s livelihood issues first. Failure to address these issues could lead to the sudden copse of the federal government''s seemingly robust finances.


    At that time, if the situation of decline couldn''t be reversed, there was a possibility of local financial bankruptcy urring.


    As things reached this point, capitalists became even more crucial. Politicians struggled to offer direct job opportunities to the public, but capitalists might have the means to do so.


    They didn''t need to make everyone rich, only to sustain ordinary people and ensure the system operated smoothly, weathering this period until things improved.


    Thinking this, the mayor made a decision.


    The meeting with Neo tonight made him realize this man was no longer reliable, nor was Listoan. Even if hepromised, both sides would harbor irreconcble enmity.


    For now, he restrained himself because he needed Neo, but once he had the power to turn the tables, he''d make Neo and Listoan pay.


    Could Neo be unaware of this situation?


    No, he knew well. Yet, he persisted, indicating theirpromise wouldn''tst long before another confrontation ensued.


    "Arrange for me to meet Lin Qi. I want to discuss some ideas." With his decision made, the mayor articted his thoughts. While Lin Qi might not change the current situation, he could offer alternative solutions.


    Lin Qi''s ventures indicated he was an innovative young man. If he could propose methods to tide over these difficult times, the mayor might not only refuse to capitte but also seize the chance to strike back at Neo.


    As someone familiar with Lin Qi, Ferrall was the ideal intermediary. While the mayor and Lin Qi had met and dined together, their acquaintance remained superficial. Delving into deeper discussions required a reliable intermediary.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 124:

    Chapter 124:


    Once again, Lin Qi became the focus of the top three sections in the newspapers, an honor that ordinary people rarely achieved. Only a few would have the chance to be mentioned in the local news section even after death, while the vast majority would never see their names in print in their entire lives.


    The value of life was sometimes heavy, but it never outweighed the significance of a newspaper. It was quite amusing, or perhaps that was just the truth.


    A policy wouldn''t be easily passed just because everyone believed it was eptable; it would take time and consideration of all aspects of society.


    Starting with "information," gradually informing the public about this matter, this policy, and then delving deeper step by step, continuously reporting on it, allowing people to progress from curiosity to eptance, to taking it for granted, so that no one would think the policy was bad.


    Even if some people didn''t like it, they would simply harbor dislike; they wouldn''t vehemently oppose it as if their rights were being vited. Initially, everyone would be incensed the first time their rights were infringed upon, their emotions running high, but with repeated urrences, it would eventually be inconsequential.


    So, newspapers extensively covered Lin Qi''s second-hand goods trading auction, making it a regr urrence and gradually gaining eptance from those who might not like it.


    The newspapers constantly imed that this was a policy that greatly helped and benefited the people, and local businessman Lin Qi was willing to take on this responsibility. Not only would he sell second-hand goods at rtively reasonable prices, but he would also recycle some of the unused goods in society, allowing these items, which were useless to some, to be transferred to those who needed them.


    Spend less money, go through less trouble, that was what the newspapers were advocating, and some people were really interested in it.


    Not only the newspapers in Sabin City were saying this, but newspapers in other major cities in the state also began to exert effort, and advertisements for recycling second-hand goods purchased by Lin Qi began to appear.After a certain period of time, economic tradingpanies would gradually establish branches in various parts of the state and begin to recycle goods.


    This gave many families hope; some of the worthless items they had impulsively purchased now had the chance to turn into money again. In times of economic downturn, this money could help them get by a little longer, making them even more eager for the Interster Trading Company to sessfully establish itself locally.


    Many, many people saw this newspaper, to the extent that even an "old woman" saw it.


    The "old woman" appeared to be in her fifties, but she was actually only in her forties.


    A woman from an ordinary background could neverpare to thedies in high society; they didn''t have the money to care for their skin, care for their bodies, to make themselves look younger.


    The burdens of life and the trivialities of life had long made this woman numb; sometimes this numbness, in the eyes of others, seemed more like indifferent coldness.


    At this moment, as she looked at the handsome and spirited Lin Qi in the photo, she felt regret for the first time. She had broken up the love between her daughter and this handsome young man. If only she had waited a little longer...


    She looked across the table at her daughter, who was gradually bing a little numb from life''s erosion, like seeing herself twenty years ago, and then she silently put down the newspaper.


    Neither mother nor daughter said anything, but their gazes both coincidentally lingered on the handsome young man''s face in the newspaper, whom they both knew, Lin Qi.


    A few minutester, heavy footsteps sounded, and a burly middle-aged man, yawning, walked out of the room. He scratched his tangled hair and grumbled about getting a buzz cut, saying he didn''t have time to groom his hair every day.


    Many ordinary families had people like this; they were busy every day, so busy that they may not even be able to take care of themselves, yet they had enough leisure time to lie on the couch for hours, motionless, with cheap food in their arms,ughing stupidly at the flickering TV screen.


    The old woman hurriedly brought breakfast for the middle-aged man, a te of minced meat with a slightly congealed egg on top.


    Katherine''s culinary skills were inherited from her mother, but a bit better.


    The middle-aged man nodded satisfactorily, and as his mouth opened to eat, a nauseating stench emanated from his mouth the moment he opened it.


    But he didn''t notice it himself; instead, he happily began to enjoy his hearty breakfast.


    Adding more meat and eggs to breakfast would make a person energetic throughout the day and strengthen their physical strength.


    Most ordinary families had this kind of breakfast, filled with meat.


    Those who could enjoy this kind of breakfast were often the backbone of a family; their work mainly consisted of physicalbor, and they needed it.


    Sometimes people would blindly pursue the so-called "upper-ss lifestyle," saying they should eat more vegetables, and maintain healthier habits.


    But they always overlooked the huge gap between the upper ss and the lower ss. At least those who said these things wouldn''t tell the public that the people in the upper ss didn''t need to do heavy physical work.


    They also wouldn''t tell people that people in the upper ss may only work two or three hours a day, spending the rest of their time socializing andworking. They didn''t need to eat too much because they could get supplements whenever they needed them.


    No one said these things; those people only told everyone to eat less, eat delicacies, avoid consuming meat...


    The middle-aged man quickly finished the meat and egg on his te, and he even tore up a bread roll, using it to wipe up the egg, meat juices, and animal fat on the te, then stuffed it into his mouth.


    When he finished eating, his te was cleaner than if it had been washed, with no trace of food residue left on it.


    After finishing his meal, the middle-aged man nced disinterestedly at the newspaper, patted his stomach, and went to work, another day no different from any other day.


    After the sound of the door being opened and closed heavily came from behind him, the atmosphere in the room seemed to rx slightly.


    "I...," the woman wanted to say something, but in the end, nothing came out of her mouth.


    No one could have guessed this would happen; a good-for-nothing kid who didn''t even have a job, wandering aimlessly on the streets, could suddenly be the darling of the news. Who could have imagined that?


    Before seeing this newspaper, she had never felt that she had done anything wrong. She just wanted her daughter, filled with fantasies, to return to reality, not to pay the price for her naive fantasies due tock of experience.


    She even gave her some time to experience the weight of life, but reality and she, along with her, yed a joke.


    Katherine stood up expressionlessly, she cleaned up the dishes and utensils her father had used, and took them to the sink to start washing.


    There was no sign of regret, happiness, or any other expression on her face, just an ordinary day, so ordinary that she didn''t even know about it.


    Watching her daughter''s silent figure, the woman truly regretted, but there was nothing she could do, nothing she should do.


    At nine o''clock in the morning, Katherine arrived at her new workce with a bag containing personal items worth no more than five bucks.


    After her mother brought her back, she changed jobs, working at a new supermarket not far from home.


    Since the economic downturn, people seemed to have not noticed that more and more supermarkets were recing someprehensive small markets, and it was bing increasingly difficult for scattered individual vendors to operate. They were no match for these supermarkets at all, forcing them to change their businesses.


    At the same time, people were more inclined to shop at supermarkets and convenience stores because things here were cheaper, and there were often promotions, which had a terrifying appeal to families that were already not well-off.


    Katherine had experience working in a supermarket, so she easily obtained a job here, as a cashier, simr to her previous job at the supermarket.


    The only difference was that she used to stand, but now she could sit down.


    After changing into a new set of clothes, she sat down at her workstation, a separate small counter, simr to many others scattered throughout the entire supermarket.


    From the moment the supermarket opened its doors, many people streamed in, and she also began her work, constantly checking bills, giving change, and signing receipts...


    During the lunch break, a very ordinary young man with a sunny look and enthusiasm on his face found Katherine. He called himself a young man, but he was actually not young anymore; he was twenty-eight years old, which Katherine''s mother considered an appropriate life partner.


    The young man''s conditions were quite good in this era, among the ordinary people. He had his own house, so after marriage, he wouldn''t need to live with his parents.


    He also worked in this supermarket, as an ountant, with a good sry.


    So far, he hadn''t gotten married for a reason; first, he was a bit short, not even five feet three inches, a fact that he outright denied.


    Secondly, he would stutter when he got nervous, especially when faced with the opposite sex, making it difficult for him to find a suitable partner despite his decent conditions.


    This time, his target was Katherine; he didn''t care about Katherine''s past. After all, who didn''t have a past?


    Moreover, considering girls as beautiful as Katherine, if he were to concern himself with their past lives, he likely wouldn''t expect to marry equally beautiful girls in this lifetime. This young man''s rity of thought was evident.


    Furthermore, Katherine was only twenty years old this year, even if she had some past, it wouldn''tst long, it was just the process of bing mature, and it couldn''t even be considered experience.


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 Chapter 125:

    Chapter 125:


    In the evening, Katherine, who had worked all day, felt somewhat exhausted as she changed clothes and embarked on her journey home. She declined several suitors'' offers to give her a ride on their bicycles, insisting on walking home.


    The summer night breeze carried not much coolness on her face, instead, it bore thest hint of daytime heat and restlessness, making her feel immensely irritated.


    Katherine was a strong girl who didn''t often disy obvious emotions, even though there might be other things simmering within her.


    Before the sky turnedpletely dark, she arrived home. Since moving back to her own house, she never stayed out on the streets after dark.


    It wasn''t safe here; whenever nightfallpletely shrouded the sky, evil would descend. The sounds of arguments, fights, and even gunfire weremonce here, including cries for help and the constant ring of sirens.


    As soon as she closed the door behind her, Katherine sensed a different atmosphere. The mood in the house today seemed unusually heavy.


    She changed her shoes and hung her bag, which held no more than five bucks, on the coat rack before heading towards the living room.


    Her father sat somewhat absent-mindedly on the old sofa they had salvaged from a dumpster, while her mother wore a face full of worry.


    The man seemed oblivious to the sound of the door closing, his gaze fixed on the TV, but Katherine''s mother nced up at her before lowering her head again."What''s wrong?" Katherine asked, feeling that something was different about this couple todaypared to usual.


    The man continued watching TV as if he hadn''t heard anything, while Katherine''s mother wore a sad and bitter expression, her voice trembling slightly. "Your father... lost his job."


    It was amon urrence; in fact, people had been mentally preparing since thetter half ofst year. Many factories had begun shutting down, even thoughbor unions organized protests demanding their reopening, they dared not push too hard.


    They even scheduled "strikes" on weekends, which became an international joke, yet it reflected just how conflicting and acute societal issues were at the time.


    Katherine''s father''s factory dered bankruptcy today, which was not unexpected. It had stopped importing raw materials sincest month; they had this premonition for a while, but they had been reluctant to face it or believe that misfortune would befall them.


    Katherine fell silent. Her sry wasn''t much; she earned only two hundred and twenty-five bucks a month, just slightly above the minimum wage requirement mandated byw.


    Before today, her father used to earn three to three hundred and fifty bucks every month, which was more than enough to support their family of three.


    But if it was only Katherine''s sry, supporting this family of three would be incredibly difficult.


    Nowadays, most factories weren''t hiring, even though the city hall demanded an increase in job opportunities; they failed toply.


    In times of profit shortage, every employee was like a pawn on the scales before death; adding one more would bring them closer to bankruptcy.


    For a factory with thousands of workers, just paying sries every month would cost hundreds of thousands. Without sufficient profits, paying sries alone could bankrupt them in a month. So, nopany would choose to expand hiring at this time, even if the city hall demanded it.


    This also meant Katherine''s father would have a hard time finding suitable and long-term work at the employment center; perhaps he might find short-term work, or maybe he wouldn''t find any work at all.


    As for Katherine''s mother, it was even more challenging. She had no work experience, and even if she tried to learn now, she wouldn''t have the opportunity. In other words, the responsibility of supporting the family would fall entirely on Katherine''s shoulders.


    Her monthly sry of two hundred and twenty-five bucks would be the sole source of ie for this family.


    The three of them fell into silence. Katherine''s father kept watching TV, seemingly shut off from the world, while Katherine''s mother wore a sorrowful and bitter expression, asionally sighing, full of worries about the future.


    Katherine herself felt exhausted; it was the only feeling she had experienced in the past few years. She had felt it before, but not this profoundly until this moment.


    She was not an inexperienced girl in life and society; she was well aware of why she and her family were in their current situation. The problems stemmed from their family background, social ss, and level of education.


    Thetter was more evident; if she could go to college or pursue a specialized profession like ounting after high school, she might have apletely different job now.


    The older young man who pursued her had studied ounting, and now he not only had a decent job but also a good sry.


    But for a child born into an ordinary family, continuing education after high school was a daunting task. She could only think about it.


    Dinner that night was lighter than usual. Katherine''s father suddenly exploded at the dinner table, smashing tes in a fit of anger before storming off.


    In his eyes, losing his job meant the women in the household no longer respected him, and he felt neglected.


    Katherine and her mother calmly and silently epted everything and cleaned up after him.


    Early the next morning, Katherine''s father left home to look for work on the streets. After a night, he had epted the reality.


    Life had to go on. If he did nothing andy in the house, in a month or two at most, they would have to sell the house and wander the streets.


    It took him over a decade to attain his current life; he wasn''t willing to lose it so easily. He had to persevere.


    Katherine faced life calmly and chose to go to work.


    However, at noon, the young man found her again.


    "I heard from Auntie that Uncle lost his job..."


    Katherine nced at him, giving no response, which made the young man feel awkward and stutter in his speech.


    "If... I mean if, if I... if I arrange for Uncle to work in our mall... what do you think?" His face flushed with excitement, speaking hesitantly.


    He had a good rtionship with the mall manager and helped manage the manager''s personal tax affairs, saving him money each time he filed taxes, which was the value of an ountant.


    Apart from the manager, various levels of management within the supermarket relied more or less on his professional skills. Personal tax filing also required the help of an ountant, for which he received payment. Although the amount was small, it earned him good rapport among the management.


    Katherine''s mother hade to him in the morning, exining some things and asking if Katherine''s father could work in the mall, even if the sry was lower.


    In fact, for supermarkets and convenience stores at this stage, their business conditions were much better than many people imagined, even maintaining healthy profit margins against the tide.


    But they wouldn''t say so; they had to show the difficulties in business to garner sympathy and lower sry standards, thereby releasing more profit space.


    The young man had discussed this with the manager, who agreed to let Katherine''s father work in the warehouse. They needed someborers there, and they could offer a base sry.


    So, he came to Katherine to share the good news and also hoped that through this, their rtionship could take a leap forward.


    Katherine neither nodded nor refused, but ended the conversation by saying that she needed to discuss it with her family when she returned home.


    However, this made the young man feel that there was a chance for this matter to achieve his goal. This was the first time Katherine hadn''t outright rejected his idea, which was a positive sign.


    A monotonous day at work passed in long suffering or brief waiting. Katherine still refused offers from others to take her home, returning home alone.


    Her father had already returned. The man who used to exude confidence now looked dejected.


    Throughout the day, only a few dozen job opportunities appeared in the entire city, but there were thousands waiting at the employment center!


    Katherine''s father had no impressive resume to speak of; there were too many people more capable than him. He didn''t even get an interview, which made him realize that he shouldn''t expect to find a job in the short term.


    This left him extremely discouraged, even doubting his own worth.


    Katherine''s mother was equally speechless. She hadn''t told her husband about what she had discussed with the young man or even Katherine.


    She nned to bring it up when the young man gave her an answer.


    Both of them felt despondent, but Katherine was about to erupt.


    She hung her bag on the coat rack and walked into the house, looking as calm as usual, but her steps were heavier.


    She poured herself a ss of water, then moved a chair and sat opposite her parents on the sofa, reaching out to turn off the TV.


    This action drew both her parents'' gaze to her. There was no visible anger on her face, only calmness.


    She looked at her mother and asked sharply in the same calm tone, "How much do you n to sell me for?"


    With just one sentence, the man abruptly raised his head, and Katherine''s mother''s face changed slightly, but Katherine didn''t give them much time to react.


    "Roman hinted at me at noon. He offered me a deal: if I''m willing to apany him, he''ll give Dad a job. So, how much do you n to sell me for?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 126:

    Chapter 126:


    When Katherine likened herself to amodity, even using the word "sell" to describe her mother''s actions, the atmosphere in the room became incredibly oppressive.


    Her father nced at the woman who had been by his side for over twenty years, wanting to say something, but in the end, he said nothing, epting the responsibility that he should not have borne along with it.


    There was amon saying in the Baylor Federation: "When you have to bow to life, please don''t hesitate to let your knees and forehead touch the ground."


    This statement may be somewhat pessimistic, but life was like that. If one had chosen topromise, why notpromise thoroughly.


    As a man who had lost his position as the pir of the family, he naturally realized that he was quickly losing control of the family. Faced with the conflict between the new generation''s "dominators" and a "dark horse" who could potentially change the situation behind the scenes, he chose silence.


    After a moment of silence, Katherine''s mother shook her head. "I never thought of it that way. I''ve told you, Roman is a very good young man."


    "He''s a little older than you, but he knows how to treat a girl kindly. He has a stable job, a detached house. You don''t have to suffer like others. Isn''t that good?"


    Her voice quickly shifted from a faint, uncertain tone to a firm one, gradually increasing in volume.


    Actually, from a certain perspective, Roman was indeed a very suitable marriage partner for certain families. But that was only for certain families and certain people.Katherine shook her head. "I''ve never held any hope for your choices. You''ve already proven yourself wrong once. Who knows if this will be the second time?"


    The first time naturally referred to the issue with Lin Qi. Of course, Katherine herself was not without fault, but this statement immediately angered the woman, who was already filled with regret.


    "I am not our Lord. I cannot foresee such distant things. I only know that you were indeed suffering at that time. Is it wrong for me to want the best for my daughter?"


    Katherine shook her head. "Then why wouldn''t you be wrong the second time?" She didn''t give the woman a chance to continue, taking over the conversation in a more peaceful but also firmer manner. "You''ve always told me not to sell my body for money, but today, you''ve done this. I thought we would be a different kind of family."


    With that, she stood up. For the first time, a disappointed expression appeared on her face. Perhaps most children, before realizing the cruelty of reality, would believe that they and their families were fundamentally different from other families in society.


    This illusion would only be shattered on the day they recognized the harshness of reality.


    Katherine''s words made the couple feel a difficult, conscience-stricken condemnation.


    Living in such a neighborhood, parents feared their children going astray the most, but they themselves had set the worst example.


    Katherine turned and walked towards the entrance. The sky outside was almostpletely dark. No respectable girl would choose to leave home at this hour, which made the couple nervous.


    Katherine''s mother quickly stood up and took a few steps to grab Katherine''s wrist. "Where are you going?" Then she emphasized, "You can''t go out!"


    Katherine waved her hand, shaking off her mother''s arms. She nced at the woman, sneering. "Since you''ve decided to sell me for a good price, why not aim higher?"


    Her words felt chilling, so much so that the woman even forgot to stop her, watching her leave the house at this moment.


    On the other hand, Lin Qi, who had just finished socializing, returned home. In the afternoon, Joegleman called him and said that someone was interested in thend he owned, and they could sit down and talk about it.


    He attended the dinner organized by Joegleman, but he had no interest in the people on the other side of the table or their propositions.


    It was obvious that the other party might be buying thend out of respect for Jorgleman or for some other reason, as they only offered a price as low as one million six hundred thousand, which Lin Qi couldn''t ept.


    They even used a haughty tone and demeanor, filled with a condescending air of generosity, trying to purchase hisnd at a outrageously low price, as if their action was a favor to Lin Qi.


    Faced with such people, Lin Qi wouldn''t be too courteous.


    His rich experience taught him a truth: those who looked down on him now, even if he changed, they would still look down on him until he stepped on their face and spit at them, then they would stop despising him.


    Until then, no matter how much he did, it would just be seen as futile and worthless struggle and resistance.


    So Lin Qi ended the dinner appropriately and maintained basic courtesy.


    After dinner, Joegleman also expressed his apologies to Lin Qi. He was not aware that the person he brought was such a halfwit, but he also promised to continue looking for suitable people for Lin Qi.


    At around eight o''clock, Lin Qi was already preparing to rest when the phone rang.


    He was somewhat surprised as few people would call him at this hour, but he answered it anyway. On the other end was a very familiar voice, Mr. Fox.


    "Not asleep yet?" Mr. Fox''s voice was full of confidence and loud. He had been doing well recently, in good spirits. "Even an old man like me doesn''t go to bed this early. You''re missing out on too many exciting things in life, my friend."


    Lin Qi chuckled, not continuing the topic. If he didn''t have social engagements, he would usually go to bed earlier.


    Sleeping was a very "nourishing" process. If he wasted time just for the sake of wasting time, that was unnecessary behavior.


    "Do you need something?" he casually asked. He didn''t think Mr. Fox would have anything important to discuss at this hour. Most likely, he wanted to invite him out to rx.


    Mr. Fox seemed to sense something strange from Lin Qi''s brief chuckle, feeling as if he was being watched by a benevolent gaze. He shook his head to dispel this absurd thought and got to the point, "Do you know a girl named Katherine?"


    "She was looking for you on the streets tonight. You know, now I have a bit of a reputation, the kids told me about it. I''ve brought the person over. Maybe you''ll be interested?"


    Thanks to the cooperation between Mr. Fox and Lin Qi, their business had grownrger andrger. Combined with the fact that the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau had raided the moneyunderers in Sabin City to restore their image in front of the public, Mr. Fox''s "territory" had expanded many times over.


    There were more people serving him now, including ordinary, legitimate employees and some who wandered the streets all day.


    The cooperation between Mr. Fox and Lin Qi had be a ssic case in the eyes of some people, and they knew Lin Qi as a result.


    Therefore, when a beautiful girl asked several young men who obviously belonged to the street gangs in thete evening if they knew Lin Qi or Mr. Fox, it naturally made them wary.


    They brought the girl to Mr. Fox because they didn''t know her identity and didn''t dare to act rashly.


    When Mr. Fox investigated Lin Qi before, he wasn''t interested in Lin Qi''s ex-girlfriend, so he missed this detail. Now he was simply calling to confirm if Lin Qi knew this girl.


    Upon hearing this, Lin Qi looked down at the ring on his little finger and sighed with a smile, "Arrange for her to be brought to my house..."


    Twenty minutester, after more than a month apart, the former lovers met again. There wasn''t much awkwardness, but rather a hint of curiosity.


    "You seem to be doing well." Katherine didn''t express any regret or other emotions like an ordinary girl would. She admired the magnificent vi and couldn''t help but praise it.


    Lin Qi, dressed casually, shrugged and went to the bar to take out two sses. "Juice? Wine? Or coffee?" he asked, pouring himself a drink. "I don''t know how to use a grinder. If you want coffee, you''ll have to do it yourself."


    "Wine. I don''t like coffee." Katherine looked around before sitting on the sofa in the living room. She couldn''t help but stroke the leather sofa and pat it. "Life is already hard enough. Why not make it easier?"


    Lin Qi walked over with two sses and handed her one while holding onto the other.


    After a simple toast, they each took a sip.


    Perhaps due to the effects of alcohol, Katherine quickly exined her purpose. "I didn''t expect you to change so quickly. Any secrets?"


    Lin Qi thought for a moment. "If there''s a secret..." He wore a special smile on his face and lowered his voice. "Actually, I''m the illegitimate child of God. Don''t tell anyone."


    Katherine couldn''t help but chuckle. As she chuckled, she sighed and took another sip of wine. "You always like to joke..."


    As she said this, she suddenly closed her mouth, because this sentence made the atmosphere in the room somewhat mncholic. "I said something I shouldn''t have said. I apologize for that."


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 Chapter 127:

    Chapter 127:


    "Does your father know how to drive?" Lin Qi asked after hearing the girl''s words.


    If Katherine''s father knew how to drive, it would be best. Cars, trucks, and lorries were essentially simr aside from minor differences. Once someone learned to drive one type, they could quickly grasp the skills for other vehicles.


    The Baylor Federation was not a country with smallnd. Here, there was vast territory, and factories were far from urban areas. When factory owners designatednd, they often had more requirements.


    Most factories hadrge areas. If the movement of materials within the factory relied on manualbor, it would be nearly impossible toplete. Most would have dump trucks or forklifts for assistance.


    So, many workers had the opportunity toe into contact with these things and learn how to drive them. Factory owners were also happy to see this.


    After all, hiring separate drivers would cost extra money. If the workers could drive themselves, they could save on additional wages.


    Unfortunately, Katherine''s father didn''t know how to drive any vehicle. He was just a simple workshop worker, the kind of person who didn''t want to deal with anything beyond his own affairs.


    "Is there manualbor?" Katherine took a sip from her ss. "You can arrange manualbor for him; he''s best at that."


    When Katherine mentioned this type of work, there was no pretense or other implications. For these two young people, manualbor had been the most normal type of work for a long time. Even now, in Katherine''s world, it was just fine for ordinary people to do manualbor.Lin Qi scratched his eyebrow; suddenly it felt itchy. He pondered for a moment with pursed lips. "Then let him work in the warehouse, dealing with various items every day."


    "That''s good, let''s go with that."


    There was a sudden silence between them. With neither speaking, the atmosphere became somewhat strange but also heavy.


    After several sips, the girl finished the wine in her ss. She carefully ced the ss on the coffee table, making minimal noise, then looked at Lin Qi, who was also looking at her.


    Their eyes met briefly. The girl shrugged and shifted her gaze away, her hands sping each other somewhat nervously but then rxing as her shoulders moved slightly to the sides.


    "What about me, how will you arrange for me?" She nced around therge house. When she and Lin Qi were together before, they had fantasized about buying a big house if they ever earned enough money in the future.


    That way, they wouldn''t have to squeeze the whole family into a small space. They could give each child a separaterge room with a bed, a desk, a bookshelf, and a wardrobe.


    They would have apletely independentrge kitchen and a separate dining room. In the dining room, there would be arge television so they could watch TV while eating.


    They would have many rooms, each with its own bathroom, so their family members wouldn''t have to wait if one person was unwilling to leave the toilet.


    It would be even better to have a swimming pool in front of the house so they could swim together when the weather was hot. Swimming was a fun activity and it would make the swimsuit she bought long ago but never used useful.


    Now that this dream hade true, but without the girl who was part of the dream, her mood was somewhat low.


    However, she was a strong girl and quickly adjusted her mindset. "Let me make it clear first; I can be a maid, but I won''t wear those clothes..." She smirked mischievously. "You know what I mean."


    Lin Qi was taken aback for a moment, then couldn''t help but burst intoughter. It was the first time since he came into this world that heughed so freely, simply because of some pure emotional influence.


    When they had lived together for a while, they had bought some magazines that only adults could read. There was one issue called "Master and Maid." At that time, "Lin Qi" couldn''t help but want to buy that set of clothes for Katherine to try on, but stopped because of the price.


    The memory that suddenly surfaced from the depths of his mind gave people a sense of nostalgia and a certain kind of longing mingled with fear. Theirughter intertwined for a moment but quickly subsided on their own.


    Lin Qi swirled his ss with two fingers, ying with it. After about a dozen seconds, he said, "Do you remember our initial ns?"


    Katherine nodded. There were always some things that people would find hard to forget, and that period of time wasn''t actually that long for those two young people.


    After they left school, they had already agreed that if one of them could find a stable job and save some money, perhaps the other could continue to study.


    Their academic performance was actually very good, but theycked necessary financial conditions.


    Lin Qi''s words made Katherine vaguely realize something, and she began to have some expectations.


    Meeting Lin Qi''s gaze for the third time, Katherine didn''t avert her eyes this time. She stared straight at Lin Qi.


    Lin Qi chuckled lightly. "Go back to school and chase after your dreams."


    This proposal struck a chord with Katherine immediately, and she agreed without hesitation.


    Perhaps it was because of drinking some wine, or maybe it was because she got a result that she was somewhat satisfied with, the girl, whose spirits had rxed from tension, felt a hint of exhaustion.


    She wanted to go back, but Lin Qi didn''t agree. With some yful intent, he said, "You can choose a room; of course, my bed can fit two people as well."


    Katherine didn''t refuse to stay the night, but she declined to lie with Lin Qi. "You forgot that we broke up. If you want to do something, you cane and pursue me. If I have that thought, maybe I''ll pursue you again..."


    Lin Qi waved his wrist. "Dream on!"


    Later, Lin Qi took the girl to another master bedroom and helped her settle in, teaching her how to use everything in the room, including the various items in the bathroom.


    Then, Lin Qi left very actively. Actually, he could have stayed if he wanted; the girl wouldn''t refuse. But he needed to show some respect to the girl.


    Before going back to his bed, he gave Mr. Fox a call, asking him to send over some women''s clothing. After living together for so long, he knew what size clothes Katherine needed.


    Later in the evening, both of themy in bed, but neither fell asleep immediately. They were both thinking about something, without any clear direction or purpose, just a kind of scattered contemtion.


    It wasn''t untilte at night that they gradually drifted into dreams.


    The next day, the former couple met in the dining room on the first floor. The maid had already prepared breakfast for them¡ªsome vegetables, a few rolls, bacon, smoked ham, butter, and some milk.


    However, Lin Qi''s milk was warm, while Katherine''s milk was slightly chilled.


    "I thought I''d have to do it myself," Katherine, sitting at the table, looked at the busy maid with some curiosity. "How much do you pay her a month?"


    "Four hundred and twenty bucks," Lin Qi replied casually while reading the newspaper and eating breakfast.


    This price wasn''t high, but it wasn''t low either. Apetent maid sometimes also undertook tasks that a housekeeper would do. Moreover, their work efficiency was excellent, better than hiring two fools.


    Katherine shook her head. "I kind of regret it now. Maybe being a maid is not a bad decision?"


    Lin Qi nced up at her, then put down the newspaper. "If viewed solely from the perspective of wealth, starting work earlier indeed leads to earlier gains, but sometimes the situation may vary."


    "When you start from a higher step, you can quickly make up for the ''loss'' of time and money you spent on learning. Moreover, there will be a process of continuous improvement."


    "Focus on preparing for your studies with peace of mind. You don''t owe me anything. If you feel you do, just work for me after you graduate, isn''t that enough?"


    Lin Qi picked up the newspaper again, his gaze back on the paper. "Then I''ll let you experience the exploitation and oppression from a capitalist."


    Katherine didn''t continue speaking and began to enjoy the hearty breakfast, while Lin Qi kept reading the newspaper.


    There were some problems with the domestic situation, or it was about to reach a turning point.


    The state newspaper mentioned that some funds that had flowed into the federation to avoid the war were beginning to leave the country, which had a certain impact on local economic development. It also mentioned some foreign businessmen''s despicable and illegal actions in the Baylor Federation, with reports from both state and local newspapers.


    They directly linked exploitation and oppression to foreign businessmen. Before this, whether mainstream or non-mainstream newspapers, they had been avoiding naming and shaming behavior, let alone discussing the issue of exploitation extensively.


    This was a ratherplex and subtle topic, easy to cause social controversy if handled carelessly.


    But now they seemed unafraid, all condemning some foreign businessmen for their exploitation and oppression of Baylor Federation workers, as well as their crimesmitted domestically. However, they never mentioned the more extreme actions of their own businessmen.


    The trend was bing clearer, indicating that negotiations with some parties had not yielded satisfactory results for both sides.


    There wasn''t much shocking content in the "Trading Report". It was just that in the least noticeable section of the international segment, it mentioned thetest embargo list from the Baylor Federation''s Department of Free Trade


    Some of the more famous industrial goods in the federation in recent years were included in the embargo list, prohibiting them from being shipped overseas.


    These idiots!


    Lin Qi was a very gentlemanly, elegant, and cultured person, but he still couldn''t help cursing the president of the Baylor Federation and all members of the presidential cab and their families.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 128:

    Chapter 128:


    When Ferrall finished breakfast, he called Lin Qi and mentioned that he woulde overter. Lin Qi decided to wait for him instead of leaving immediately.


    Around ten o''clock, Ferrall hurriedly arrived at Lin Qi''s residence.


    He nced curiously at Katherine, whom Lin Qi introduced, then greeted her before she went back upstairs to her room.


    After Katherine left, Ferrall didn''t bring up the girl. In the Baylor Federation, respecting others'' privacy and their personal lives was a crucial etiquette. He only took a slight note of the girl.


    Then he brought some things Lin Qi had requested and some replies from the mayor''s office.


    "The mayor has agreed to your request. He can offer you eighty two acres, but you need to provide at least eighteen hundred job positions locally, or three thousand job positions statewide."


    In the Baylor Federation, there were standards for purchasing non-residentialnd, which required providing a certain number of job positions or fulfilling some economic ns.


    If thendowner couldn''t meet these standards, the "vitive"nd would be confiscated, auctioned, or left idle.


    This also included all immovable properties on thend. So, before encroaching onnd, most entrepreneurs and factory owners would spend money inviting famous designers to design a set of ns.They would n their industrial scale for the short, medium, and long term and then sign and transfer contract with the local city hall in phases.


    This way, it wouldn''t put too much pressure on factory owners or entrepreneurs in certain aspects, such as the required job positions and corresponding wages.


    Initially, Lin Qi didn''t ask for eighty two acres, but now the mayor had doubled his n, meaning there was no room for negotiation.


    Facing the expanded n, Lin Qi responded decisively, "I can''t meet these requirements in the short term."


    Ferrall wasn''t surprised by Lin Qi''s reaction. Eighteen hundred job positions, paying each worker two hundred bucks a month, would cost him three hundred and sixty thousand bucks just in wages per month. Even if Lin Qi coulde up with the money now, he would be done by next month.


    "This is just a medium-term goal set by the mayor. You have two years to meet the employment requirements," Ferrall said, lowering his voice slightly. "Actually, you only need to solve two-thirds of it. After all, you''ve solved two-thirds of the problem!"


    This was where the value and benefits of having a consultanty. He knew better than Lin Qi where the mayor''s bottom line was. Solving two-thirds, or twelve hundred job positions, would be enough.


    If Lin Qi hired twelve hundred workers to work on that piece ofnd, even if he couldn''t meet the remaining targetster, the mayor wouldn''t easily kick him out because these twelve hundred workers and their families would disturb the city hall.


    Lin Qi nodded thoughtfully. Ferrall didn''t realize that the information he had just revealed leaked some more important intelligence, such as the severity of Sabin City''s current dilemma being more serious than Lin Qi imagined.


    But at the same time, it added more fog to his understanding. He didn''t have more opportunities and information to dispel the fog and naturally didn''t know that the severity of the situation came not from the overall societal development but from the Listoan Group and their CEO, Mr. Neo.


    After a brief pause, Ferrall mentioned the second matter, "The mayor hopes to have dinner with you this Sunday night. Adjust your schedule."


    Monday to Friday were workdays, and even after work, there would often be one or two social events to attend. These were unavoidable.


    Saturday was a rest day, but Saturday nights tended to lean more towards traditional "weekend" activities, so dinners on that day would also be utilized.


    It was Sunday, the "first day" of the week, the only day the mayor could control. He could only spare time for dinner with Lin Qi on this day, or it might take at least two weeks to find a free time to have a meal meeting with him.


    After Lin Qi nodded again, Ferrall took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it over.


    "What''s this?" Lin Qi checked the envelope. Since it wasn''t sealed, he opened it directly and found a card inside, simr to a celebrity photo card, which he then took out.


    It was an "expensive-looking" card with a slight metallic texture. The strong contrast between ck and bright gold gave it a noble and mysterious aura.


    There were only time, location, and two signatures on it, with no other content.


    "This is an invitation card to an auction. Only with this card do you have the qualifications to enter the auction," Ferrall said with a hint of a special emotion in his tone.


    Lin Qi smiled, "What''s being auctioned, second-hand goods?"


    "You could say that." Ferrall didn''t refute. Anything auctioned meant it was second-hand goods, even if it might not have been unboxed yet, it was definitely second-hand goods.


    This was an auction to divide the EverBright Group. The industries of the EverBright Group in the local area would be auctioned ording to federalw, and the money raised from the auction would be used partly to pay hefty fines and partly to enter the local finance.


    As for how much these assets would ultimately fetch, it was an entirely unpredictable market behavior. Sometimes it would be higher, sometimes lower.


    After all, evenrgepanies like EverBright Group had to resort to tax evasion to survive. Perhaps what some people considered high-quality assets weren''t really that good?


    Well, these were unimportant questions. The important thing was that Lin Qi had to attend this auction, but he didn''t have the qualifications to bid.


    Ferrall''s intention was for him to sneak in and experience the cruelty, ruthlessness, bloodiness, and madness of the upper ss, which could be considered exposing him to the most authentic side of society.


    Ferrall was a good person. He believed Lin Qi needed to experience this atmosphere. Lin Qi might appear very "extraordinary" to him, but hecked a solid background, and his upbringing had deprived him of the opportunity to experience the real side of this society.


    Without experiencing this aspect, it was akin to living in a world that felt less real, hindering his development and growth.


    Only by realizing the cruelty and ruthlessness of the real society would he be more cautious and mature.


    Before a wolf was injured, it would only treat attacks from its own kind as y. Only when it was injured did it understand that sometimes "y" could be fatal, and only then could it provoke the wolf''s ferocity.


    Lin Qi raised an eyebrow, carefully storing the card away. He never disappointed or offended others when it came to goodwill.


    After expressing his thoughts, Ferrall departed shortly thereafter. Lately, the mayor''s advisors, like him, had been exceptionally busy. Mr. Neo''s attitude had ced the city hall and the mayor in a passive position, and the mayor didn''t intend topromise.


    Once both sides split, if the Listoan Group withdrew from Sabin City, the problems left behind must be resolved; otherwise, it would be a disaster, affecting tens of thousands of families!


    Actually, neither the mayor himself nor Mr. Neo, the CEO of the Listoan Group, anticipated that the situation would deteriorate to this point.


    The mutual stance of nonpromise created a deadlock where neither party could relent. Essentially, neither side could afford to yield first. It evolved beyond a minor issue that could be resolved through one side conceding.


    If the mayor chose topromise, he could indeed keep the Listoan Group, but he would also bury his own political life.


    Mr. Neo could alsopromise, but hispromise would cost him his position as CEO, and there was even a possibility that the board of directors would initiate a stock recovery mechanism to take away his shares.


    This was no longer a farce for distributing benefits; it had be a demonstration of power, and someone had to submit!


    From the current situation, the mayor clearly didn''t want to bow to the Listoan Group. He didn''t think his future was limited to just being a "mayor."


    He didn''t want to bow, Mr. Neo and the Listoan Group couldn''t afford topromise either. In the wilderness, concession was not a virtue but a sign of weakness.


    After Ferrall left with a serious expression, Lin Qi called Katherine in the room and asked her toe down.


    In somerge houses, each room would have a telephone. To avoid interference when they were used simultaneously, there would be a semi-automatic switchboard for suchrge houses.


    It wasn''t asplicated as people imagined. Each phone had its own unique number, but they could also directly connect to other phones within the same number by dialing a specific extension, enabling short-dialing.


    "Finished talking?" Katherine changed into a different outfit and came downstairs. She didn''t see the formidable man from earlier.


    Lin Qi was supposed to be a man she knew inside out, but he suddenly became somewhat unfamiliar to her in certain aspects. Nevertheless, she found this change quite refreshing.


    Lin Qi nodded and then asked, "Do you remember what we talked aboutst night?" The girl nodded, and Lin Qi continued, "Do you have any goals? Like what major you want to pursue, or if there''s a university you dream of attending?"


    He walked to the entrance, looking at Katherine. "Let''s grab some food first, then we''ll go check out the university you want to visit."


    Seeing him stopping at the doorway and waiting for her, Katherine couldn''t help but smile, "Is this what life in the upper ss is like?" Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 129:

    Chapter 129:


    People from the lower echelons of society would often specte about what the upper ss was like. Was it like what was portrayed in some movies and TV shows, where everyone was refined, speaking with a posh northern ent. Would they really wear wigs even in the scorching summer, d in thick tailcoats, sitting under parasols in the zing sun, delicately holding teacups with two fingers while raising three others, lightly touching the beverage with their lips, and then sweating profusely while saying, "delicious"?


    In reality, it was quite different. No one would dress formally and meticulously in the scorching summer heat. Even in formal settings, there would be ample air conditioning to ensurefort, so even if people dressed in slightly heavy attire, it would not noticeably affect their appearance.


    Furthermore, summer was a time for embracing and confidently unting one''s figure, particrly among fashion-forward young women.


    The birth of summer attire wasn''t for those who couldn''t afford it, though the clothes worn by those who couldn''t afford summer attire didn''t differ much from the real "summer attire" from a certain perspective.


    As for the life of the upper ss... Katherine hadn''t seen anything deeper, but based on her feelings, she hit the nail on the head.


    The elites of the upper ss often spent their days chatting with different people at different times, and promptly enjoying meals with others at meal times. But the content of these conversations, their attitudes, and their steadfast choices would determine the work, lives, and future of hundreds, thousands of workers, and their families.


    Seemingly simple lives were actually not simple at all, but Lin Qi didn''t intend to exin this to the girl now. After she finished her new studies, she would have a better understanding of this world.


    "Nice car. I thought you''d buy the kind we saw together..." As Lin Qi and Katherine arrived at the parking lot, the driver opened the door for them. Katherine couldn''t resist letting out a whistle, apanied by a sigh of regret.


    They had attended car shows together before, which wasn''t a bad thing, so Lin Qi didn''t intend to deny it. Everyone dreamt of one day being able to control their destiny and buy what they wanted, and they were no exception.Back then, they fancied a more old-fashioned and mediocre car. Most importantly, that car cost just over ten thousand after discounts, and the price of a used car was even lower.


    They didn''t actually like the car; they just liked its beautifully low price.


    The driver was provided by themunity servicepany, just like the maid in Lin Qi''s house. The more high-end themunity servicepany, the more services it provided. When necessary, they could even organize parties for residents.


    Providing a driver was the most basic service. If it weren''t for long-term employment, Lin Qi wouldn''t even need to pay the driver any extra fees.


    Lin Qi held the car door for Katherine, smiling, "It''s as good-looking as me. I couldn''t ignore another me, so I chose it."


    The girl chuckled to herself, noting his familiar self-admiration from their school days, only now Lin Qi seemed to carry an extra air of maturity and pressure that left her slightly breathless. This was also why she kept on talking.


    If she couldn''t lighten the mood, she felt like she wouldn''t even dare to breathe next to Lin Qi, suffocating herself.


    This feeling actually stemmed from a sense of disparity, which was also why Lin Qi made Katherine feel unfamiliar. When someone did something that others perceived as something they could never achieve in their lifetime, people would not only feel shocked but also feel that they didn''t know this person well enough.


    Even though they''d been together many days and nights.


    After getting into the car, Lin Qi chose a restaurant suitable for young people to dine in. Since bing "respectable people," Lin Qi had gained a detailed understanding of some important social ces in Sabin City.


    Some dignified and serious ces were not suitable for all types of socializing, which was crucial.


    While waiting for the food, Lin Qi and the girl talked about their past pursuits and where they wanted to go next. "Do you have any specific targets in mind, or are you still considering Sabin City University?"


    Sabin City University was one of the local universities. In earlier years, in order to improve the education level of federal citizens, the Baylor Federal Education Committee encouraged local governments to raise funds to establish public universities to improve the federal education system. Sabin City also established its own public university.


    Although it was a public university, the tuition fees were still very high. Even with "education insurance," many families still found it difficult to raise funds for university education. Coupled with the distribution of schrships, there were still many people who couldn''t afford to go to universities.


    Like Katherine and Lin Qi.


    Sabin City University used to be the dream of both of them, not because this public university was particrly good, but because the tuition fees here were the cheapest, and schrships were the easiest to obtain. At leastpared to the tuition fees of private universities, it was much cheaper, making it a closer dream for them.


    "Do you have any good options?" Katherine returned the question to Lin Qi, who furrowed his brows, pondering for a moment.


    There was only one semi-public university and one private college in Sabin City. One was Sabin City College, and the semi-public one was Sabin City University. Thetter waspleted jointly by the city hall and private fundraising, but its reputation locally wasn''t that good.


    ording to rumors, the establishment of Sabin City University was deliberately aimed at defrauding subsidies from the Federal Education Committee by some people. It was also intended to add some cultural education atmosphere to this small city in some way.


    Later, due to some other reasons, the Federal Education Committee downgraded Sabin City University, so now the university had be a ce to buy certificates. As long as one spent some money, they could get a university degree, attracting some nouveaux riches from other ces to "study," bing a "feature" in the education circle of Sabin City.


    As for private colleges... it wasn''t a good ce, especially for Katherine.


    "Public university is the best choice. I prefer the State University, where the environment is better and the academic atmosphere is good," Lin Qi expressed his opinion.


    Many people believed that private universities, especially in terms of faculty strength, were far superior to public universities, especially some well-known private universities.


    Not only did they have various student organizations and secret societies entangled in conspiracy theories in the lower society for hundreds of years, they also had ample funds to allow students to research any topic they were interested in.


    However, only two types of people could be rtivelyfortable in private universities. The first were genuine geniuses, bookworms, who would steer the school academically and were the main recipients of full schrships every year.


    Even teachers and professors had to respect their opinions and views in academics, no one would want to humiliate them.


    Yes, humiliation; it was amon urrence in private universities and a major characteristic of the second type of people.


    The second type mainly came from influential families, whose parents were either CEOs of conglomerates, city council members, or state representatives, or even congressmen or important, influential politicians, or big capitalists.


    They never worried about their excessive behavior causing any repercussions; instead, many people would tter them, allowing them to freely indulge in their whims, even at the expense of others'' dignity.


    Many student organizations like fraternities and sororities were founded by these people, with the purpose of having lower-ss students serve them in various ways, while also satisfying their desires to humiliate, oppress, and dominate others.


    Indeed, private universities had many good resources. If one could join a rtively secretive society, they could immediately be a social elite. But those ces were never meant for ordinary people.


    Even if Lin Qi could get Katherine into one, she would eventually be just an ordinary member of the masses, spending her entire university life in a cycle of dating, pregnancy, breakups, and abortions.


    So for ordinary people, or those without social influence, public universities were actually the most suitable ces for them. At least here, there was a semnce of equality and fairness, unlike in private schools where they were isted, humiliated, and dominated.


    People always only saw the most beautiful side of things, never the rotten debris in the soil that nurtured these flowers.


    After lunch, Lin Qi and Katherine briefly stopped by her house. Lin Qi didn''t get out of the car; a girl not returning home for the night would surely worry her family. Fortunately, they hadn''t called the police, or it would''ve been trouble.


    The girl briefly exined what had happened, and the couple even came out to send Lin Qi off, but they didn''t dare to get too close, just watching from afar, their faces wearing pleasing smiles, waving continuously at the awe-inspiring car.


    When Katherine got back into the car, she didn''t show any negative emotions, much like before. In reality, ordinary people, especially those at the bottom of society, were overly sentimental. Life was already tough enough, so why make it harder?


    For the rest of the afternoon, Lin Qi took the girl to visit all the universities in Sabin City. For the sake of money, some people talked to them about the most authentic aspects of the university, which also made Katherine understand that Lin Qi''s previous suggestion for her to choose a public school was not malicious.


    When a teaching assistant from the private college talked about bullying within the college and showed the burn marks on his arms, the girl shuddered. After that, shepletely lost hope for attending the private college.


    She realized she wouldn''t be a flower in the private college, only the nourishment for flowers.


    The next day, Lin Qi and the girl went to Kund City State University. The environment there was obviously much better than Sabin City University, and the girl liked the atmosphere there, quiet and peaceful.


    After a friendly discussion with the university''s administrators and Lin Qi''smissioning of a research task for the development of miniature wireless integrated circuits, Katherine received an admission letter from the state university. Not only did it emit the scent of fresh ink, but it also bore the recently signed, yet to dry, signature of the principal, along with a distinct aroma.


    The aroma of money.


    ---


    **Footnote:**


    ¢Ù Education Insurance: From the perspective of ordinary families, receiving a university admission letter is as unlucky as being hit by a car. So they can purchase this insurance when their child is in high school. Once they receive the eptance letter, the insurancepany will provide them with financial assistance based on the standards of local public universities.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 130:

    Chapter 130:


    Because of some characters that will appear in theter chapters, MC''s name will change to Lynch instead of Lin Qi. Please let me know if you notice something incorrect in the chapters


    "You have two options."


    "The first, I will sponsor all your expenses during your time at university, providing you with enough support. This is my investment in your education, and you need to achieve good grades to prove that this investment is not wasted."


    "The second, under the same conditions as above, regardless of whether you graduate, you must work for me for ten years. You know, I am a capitalist, exploitation is my motto."


    "But...," Lynch coughed lightly, "Look, I am a young man..."


    Quickly, Katherine interrupted Lynch''s yful implications. Her expression was somewhatplex. "The second option, then. After I graduate, I will work for you for ten years."


    She knew Lynch said this to ease her burden. After all, they had already broken up. In theory, Lynch didn''t need to bear any of her expenses or provide job arrangements for her family.


    They were just friends now, but friends wouldn''t do this. So Lynch found some excuses to allow her to ept this help without hurting her self-esteem or dignity.


    Both of them were intelligent people, otherwise, they wouldn''t have dreamed of going to university. While other less fortunate kids dropped out of high school to work at fast food restaurants or gas stations, they still held hope for the future.Lynch pointed to the girl. "I look forward to your performance..." He handed her an envelope. "There is some money inside, enough for your expenses during this time, along with your passbook. I will deposit some money into it every month. Don''t worry too much."


    He nced sideways. "So, shouldn''t you give me a hug in the end?"


    The girl met his yful gaze and finally opened her arms to embrace him tightly for a brief half-minute. They didn''t speak during that time, but soon they separated.


    She "snatched" the envelope from Lynch''s hand, a smile spreading across her face. "Wait and see, I''ll make you drop your jaw!"


    Watching the girl leave in a car, Lynch scratched his head and returned to the living room. Everything was just like two days ago, not much had changed.


    On the other side, Katherine sat in the car and couldn''t resist opening the envelope Lynch gave her. Inside was her passbook, which she hadn''t expected Lynch to keep.


    ording to bank standards, when an ount had no bnce, they would warn the customer. If no money was deposited within a week, they would cancel the passbook.


    This was for the convenience of the bank''s overall management. In the absence of information technology, a lot of passbook management work was done manually.


    She felt emotional for a moment, then continued digging and found a stack of money. Counting it, she found fifty bills, each worth twenty bucks, totaling one thousand bucks.


    For her, this was already a substantial sum of money. She had never had control over so much money in her life.


    Just as she thought there was nothing else in the envelope and was about to discard it, she suddenly felt that it still felt somewhat heavy. She flipped the envelope over and gave it a shake, and a ring fell into her hand.


    A gold ring. She shifted towards the car window, allowing the sunlight to fall more abundantly on her hand, and then she saw the inscription inside the ring.


    "This jerk..." Tears quickly filled the girl''s eyes, which she swiftly wiped away. Then she put the ring on her finger. "It''s a bit big."


    It seemed like an exnation, yet also like speaking to herself.


    The scenery outside the car window kept retreating, and soon the car stopped on the street outside Katherine''s home. Initially, there were a few loitering boys on the street, but as soon as they saw the car stop, they vanished instantly.


    Everyone knew that in this society, one might disrespect thew, but they must bow down to money.


    Katherine thanked the driver for bringing her back and bid him goodbye before returning home with her bag.


    As soon as she opened the door, her parents gathered around, discussing the events of the past two days when she wasn''t at home. In short, the previously tense and serious atmosphere vanished in an instant, reced by her father''s genial smile and her mother''s renewed radiance.


    Katherine felt helpless about it but didn''t dislike it. This was her family, an ordinary person with her ordinary family.


    Thursday, a day with no surprises. The entire Sabin City was shrouded in increasing unemployment rates. The faces of pedestrians on the streets were mostly devoid of smiles, filled with worries instead.


    It was on such a day that a group of people was about to start splitting a huge cake.


    Lynch specifically dressed in formal attire, feeling like he was about to catch fire all over. Fortunately, the moving car brought some hotter wind.


    There weren''t many cars on the road at this time, and since cars didn''t have air conditioning yet, each one moving under the sun felt like an oven. Being a "big shot" wasn''t easy, at least ordinary people could take off their clothes in such situations, but Lynch not only couldn''t take off his clothes, he had to ensure the buttons of his shirt cor were fastened.


    Fortunately, the journey was rtively smooth, and he arrived at the Sabin City Courthouse within the specified time. The properties of EverBright Group in Sabin City were seized by the Federal Tax Bureau, and the Sabin City Courthouse was entrusted to auction these properties, so anyone participating in this auction needed to be present here.


    Stepping out of the car, Lynch followed Ferrall''s instructions and made his way to the entrance of Courtroom Nine. There, he was greeted by a gentle breeze of cool air wafting out from the open doors of the courthouse.


    As he approached the entrance, two individuals dressed in police uniforms reached out to halt his progress. Both of them fixed their gaze firmly on him. "Sorry, sir," one of them said, "this event is not open to the public."


    Some hearings or auctions might be open to the public, but some weren''t. Specific information could be found in the local newspapers¡ªanything with information was open to the public and could be attended. As for those that weren''t publicized, there was no need to bother because most people wouldn''t know about them.


    After Lynch presented the invitation provided by Ferrall, one of the policemen nced at it, then at Lynch, and gestured to hispanion to step aside. Returning the invitation to Lynch, he said, "You may proceed inside."


    Lynch didn''t express any dissatisfaction with the obstruction from the two officers nor did he show any other emotion. This was just their job, after all¡ªthey were just doing their duty.


    Inside Courtroom Nine, about thirty people were already seated in groups of three or five, casting curious nces at Lynch. But no one approached him for a chat.


    He chose a rtively backseat and sat down alone. He was well aware of Ferrall''s intentions, and he didn''t intend to disrupt the auction, which likely had results decided days ago.


    As time passed, after thest two groups arrived, the police closed the doors, and the auction of seized assets began.


    "Lot one, a seventeen-story office building at 41 Sailing Road in the central district, with a total area of... and includes... facilities. The overall market value is two million two hundred and fifty thousand, starting price is six hundred thousand..."


    "Mr. bidder number four, sixty thousand. Any higher bids?"


    "Sixty thousand, going once..."


    "Sixty thousand, going twice..."


    "Sixty thousand, sold!"


    The courtroom staff responsible for the auction showed no inclination to encourage bidding whatsoever. They seemed merely to be going through the motions, as evidenced by the sale of a downtown office building worth over two million, potentially even more, for an outrageously low price.


    However, Lynch saw things from a more profound perspective. He understood that a low price might not necessarily reflect the true value. Those who acquired these assets would naturally be obliged to provide corresponding job opportunities and utilize them to create their original societal and economic value.


    Even if some of these assets were given to him now, he wouldn''t be able to manage them. Especially for certain factories and the like, aside from whether he could afford the raw materials for production, the inability to quickly recoup funds from the produced goods alone could be enough to bankrupt him.


    He simply watched as one valuable asset after another was sold for an extremely low price.


    What those people imagined at his second-hand goods auction unexpectedly became a reality here¡ªthere were nopeting bidders, and all items were sold at the lowest starting price.


    If those people with such thoughts knew about this "miracle," they would surely be pleased, right?!


    All participants seemed ustomed to it, not surprised at all by their acquisition of items at the lowest price. This was just a show, a y, all to silence certain people in the process.


    Lynch had originally intended to go through this motion simply, but unexpectedly, there were some auction items that piqued his interest¡ªsome trucks.


    Over thirty trucks and over forty various trailers were being sold for only a hundred and ten thousand. The price was simrly ridiculously low, yet no one seemed interested.


    EverBright Group had its own logisticspany, yet the bidders present either had their own logisticspanies or partnered with others, rendering them uninterested in EverBright Group''s trucks.


    One truck equaled one truck driver. Over thirty trucks meant over thirty job positions, plus additional staff. These assets could create at least fifty jobs, yet they didn''t have high demand.


    They weren''t interested, but Lynch was very interested. He didn''t disrupt the auction but quietly observed.


    In the end, no one bid for the trucks.


    After the auction, Lynch immediately called Ferrall to discuss the situation. If no one was willing to take over these trucks, he didn''t mind, for the sake of upholding federalws and local order, taking on some responsibility and contributing some effort.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 131:

    Chapter 131:


    "You want those trucks?" Ferrall, who arrived a littleter on the court, asked with a cigarette in his mouth. He had a weary look on his face, and it was rare to see him smoking before.


    Smoking could leave a lingering smell, which in certain situations was quite impolite. Most people would try to avoid such circumstances, especially someone like Ferrall, an important assistant to the mayor.


    Their outward appearances often represented the mayor''s image, and they were often entrusted with important tasks by the mayor. Therefore, hobbies that seemed ordinary to many were off-limits to them.


    But now, he couldn''t care less. Taking a deep drag softened his expression.


    Flicking ash off his cigarette, he nced at Lynch. "Those trucks aren''t worth much, but theye with a heavy burden."


    "Thirty-three trucks plus forty-nine trailers. You''ll need to provide at least sixty job positions, and these positions cannot be terminated during the mayor''s term." He exined, flicking ash again.


    There was no such thing as acquiring something at a significantly lower price, when its actual value was several times or even dozens of times higher, without giving anything in return.


    With EverBright Group''s assets in Sabin City being divided, those who swallowed the cake must also bear the responsibility of acquiring those resources. They would need to provide hundreds or even thousands of job positions.


    Moreover, these positions would only continue to increase, never decrease.There was never a free lunch in this world. Even though they had a cooperative rtionship with the mayor, they couldn''t obtain such arge sum of wealth for nothing.


    Ferrall''s meaning was simple: acquiring these things was easy, but maintaining them wasn''t. Sixty job positions rted to truck drivers, each requiring a monthly sry of at least three hundred bucks. Just in wages, it would amount to eighteen thousand bucks.


    Although those trucks seemed to be of little value, the job positions they generated would take away over two hundred thousand bucks in wages annually from Lynch. These wages could support at least sixty families and affect the livelihoods of approximately one hundred twenty to one hundred eighty families.


    Year after year, as long as the mayor remained in office, Lynch couldn''t reduce these job positions. If the economy didn''t improve or if his operations encountered problems, these things would be burdens dragging him down.


    In fact, otherrgepanies were in simr situations. After seizing these assets, some individuals couldn''t bear the responsibility and had to choose bankruptcy. But everyone was still desperately pushing forward, gambling that the economy would improve before they went bankrupt.


    Lynch also lit a cigarette and took a few puffs. "I have my ways; don''t worry."


    After seriously observing Lynch, Ferrall confirmed that he wasn''t lying. Only then did he reassure himself that Lynch wasn''t acting out of envy for others'' sudden wealth.


    He tugged Lynch''s arm, leading him through a few small doors to the office behind the court. As an aide who often apanied the mayor to various events, Ferrall had considerable influence locally.


    After exining the situation, the court naturally didn''t make things difficult for him. They epted his exnation, and eventually, after halving the already low price again, reached an agreement with Lynch.


    The reason was simple: after the auction failed, the court believed that the valuation was too high, so they revalued it reasonably. Look, didn''t it sell immediately this time?


    In terms of perfecting this under-the-table operation, it was equally straightforward. Simply incorporate this auction information into the next auction as sold via telephone auction, and no one would find it improper.


    After paying the auction fee of less than fifty thousand bucks, Lynch obtained the keys to these trucks and their ownership certificates. Seeing these lovely little documents, Lynch vaguely recalled something.


    After chatting casually with Ferrall for a while, Ferrall hurriedly left.


    The document Lynch held soon reached Joegleman''s desk. With a smile tugging at his lips, Joegleman shook his head in amusement as he examined its contents.


    He examined them carefully, not letting any pass. He had an urate judgment on the authenticity of these things, derived from years of experience in his work.


    Having dealt with various certificates, bills, property rights, and liability documents, he gradually developed the ability to appraise such items. Especially with real estate and vehicle ownership certificates, he could roughly tell with a touch of his finger.


    "Thirty-three documents..." Joegleman looked at Lynch. "And forty-nine trailers."


    He leaned on the armrest of his chair, sighing involuntarily. "This isn''t a cashier''s desk, Lynch. You can''t keeping to me for money."


    Lynch''s intention, without surprise, was to cash in these items fully. This time, it wasn''t a small amount. Thirty-three trucks alone, even at a conservative estimate of thirty-five thousand each, amounted to over a million.


    Adding forty-nine trailers, the total value would be around one million six hundred thousand.


    Lynch wasn''t concerned about Joegleman''s implications. He simply asked with a smile, "We''re friends, right?"


    Thinking of the thank-you letter Lynch had given him and how this sensible young man had made him look good within the bank this year, even prompting some to suggest he skip building experience at the regional division and directly take over the role of the branch president in Sabin City, Joegleman couldn''t refuse Lynch.


    "It''s too risky." He muttered. "You''ve taken a lot of money from me, and if something goes wrong..."


    Gettnau Financial had entrusted its assets to Dyson Asset Management for full management, which in turn pledged them to banks for arge amount of cash. This had be an endless cycle, with funds constantly flowing in and out, involving approximately four million bucks.


    In addition, Lynch had pledged nearly three hundred thousand bucks worth of goods with the bank himself, putting up all his belongings as coteral. Out of friendship, Joegleman provided the highest valuations for everything.


    With these items in hand, their direct and indirect financial transactions would soon exceed six million. Any mistake in any link could turn this six million into nothing but a loss. He felt a hint of pressure, especially considering Lynch''s ambitions were greater than he had imagined.


    But Lynch interrupted his words, "These trucks will be entrusted to Dyson Asset Management. You don''t need to worry."


    Joegleman raised an eyebrow, his brow furrowing slightly as his mind raced. He stood up, walked to the door, closed it, and adjusted the blinds.


    Afterpleting these actions, he returned to his desk and sat down. "You don''t n on repaying the money?"


    He asked this question for a reason. Originally, he thought Lynch had pledged these assets in his own name, which would have made it difficult for him to handle. Such arge personal pledge would attract suspicion, even with his current status, and could invite unwee scrutiny or investigations.


    Even people who weren''t on good terms with him might stir up trouble.


    It was like apany worth a billion borrowing ten million from a bank. Regardless of where thepany used the loan, the banking system wouldn''t be too vignt. However, if an individual borrowed ten million in their own name, it would raise negative thoughts and emotions, leading to stricter supervision of the money''s usage and possibly attracting investigations from the regional division or headquarters.


    That was part of why he was in a bind. asionally, errors in valuation could be seen as normal mistakes, but consistently making mistakes would be considered negligence.


    Initially, he thought Lynch had pledged everything personally, but now it seemed he didn''t intend to do so.


    If it was under the name of Dyson Asset Management, the value of these items could be included in Dyson Asset Management''s market value. After the bank conducted its investigation, it would approve the loan, especially since there was a Dyson Asset Management worth millions supporting these assets.


    But Joegleman felt things weren''t so simple. Both he and Lynch knew Dyson Asset Management was just a shellpany on the surface. It didn''t even have a single employee yet. If thispany suddenly dered bankruptcy, the approximately six million funds would be bad debts.


    However, this bad debt wouldn''t affect Joegleman. No one could predict this risk, and even if they could, it would be difficult to resist.


    During this time, rumors had been circting within the banking system due to EverBright''s investigation and subsequent bankruptcy. It was said that the bad debts it generated among the six major banks amounted to thirty-seven million. However, the banks didn''t make much fuss, nor did they insist on recovering the losses.


    Those handlers involved also didn''t face any punishment for it either. It was a fairlymon urrence; sometimes, even when banks knew certain projects might have some issues, they still dove into them without hesitation.


    This didn''t imply that personnel from the six major banks were stupid; rather, they had their own strategies and ns. At times, it may seem like they were experiencing losses, but in reality, they were making profits through various operations.


    In Joegleman''s eyes, Lynch was a young man with ideas, courage, and a willingness to take risks. So, his immediate thought was that Lynch didn''t n on repaying the money. After letting Dyson Asset Management go bankrupt and liquidate everything, he could legally pocket these millions.


    But Lynch shook his head. "No, I don''t have the habit of not repaying my debts. Doing this just makes it easier for you. Besides, this amount of money doesn''t mean much to me right now. I just need some funds at the moment."


    With this additional million-plus in funds, along with thend owned by the club, he would soon be able to raise about four million in cash. This money would be enough for him toy out his industrialyout in Sabin City and even the entire state.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 132:

    Chapter 132:


    The bank''s money was a broad concept. Until the bank settled the money of an individual or organization in cash, all money in the bank could be considered the bank''s money.


    This was one of the reasons why banks were not too afraid of financial fraud. Sometimes banks even actively participated and yed a role that may not look good.


    The reason was simple. For example, when Lynch wanted to borrow so much money, he could not carry all this money with him at all times, nor could he put so much money in an unsafe ce.


    The only thing he could do was to keep the money borrowed from the bank in the bank. Thinking carefully, this seemed ridiculous, but to some extent, it was also part of the bank''s risk control.


    Sometimes, before lending, the bank may sign a supplementary agreement, and the specific amount of the loan would be deposited into a designated special ount, supervised by the bank.


    If the bank believed that the risk was too high, they would freeze this money at any time until they believed the risk had decreased.


    When apany borrowed ten million from the bank. In principle, the ten million belonged to thepany. However, it still existed in the bank. So what would happen if thepany suddenly went bankrupt?


    The bank would have a bad debt of ten million, but it would also hold an extra deposit and a portion of the interest...


    There were many ways to avoid some risks in this situation. And in fact, the real responsible person for the bank''s bad debts caused by corporate bankruptcy would not be as panicked as the outsiders imagined.Lynch''s response left Joegleman feeling amused. Despite Joegleman thinking Lynch was already ying with significant stakes, Lynch considered the amount trivial, whichpletely eased Joegleman''s guard.


    Since what was a considerable sum in his eyes might just be a mere bean in Lynch''s eyes, what was there for him to worry about?


    Shortly after, Joegleman decided to loan Dyson Asset Management. The moment Joegleman put his signature on the document, a whopping one million six hundred thousand bucks was wired into Dyson Asset Management Company''s ount.


    Looking at this steady young man, Joegleman finally felt something called "aging" breeding within himself. He was getting old.


    "Do you have time tonight?" he asked casually. Lynch thought for a moment and nodded.


    He didn''t have any other arrangements for the evening. In fact, at this stage, much of his work was in the nning phase, and most importantly, he didn''t have money on hand. He had been drawing up ns all along, and now that they were nearlyplete, he naturally needed to find money to fill these ns.


    Before the ns were implemented, he had plenty of time and leisure.


    Joegleman pped his hands and made a decision for Lynch, "Come to my house tonight. You should taste my wife''s cooking. We can also discuss the uing work. I believe we will have somemon topics."


    He added, "And you can also meet my family."


    His appreciation for Lynch stemmed from two aspects. Firstly, Lynch possessed skills and thinking that were not typical of someone his age, which meant he wouldn''t be an ordinary person.


    Secondly, Lynch had a broad vision and clear overall perspective, which was also crucial.


    Some people had strong execution abilities butcked a big-picture view. Even if they started faster and better than others, they would find it difficult to go further.


    Joegleman believed in Lynch. Sometimes he doubted whether beneath this young man''s youthful exteriory a soul almost as old as his own.


    What Lynch did was not something a twenty-year-old could easily aplish. It was hard for him to believe.


    Lynch did not refuse Joegleman''s goodwill. Before leaving Sabin City to develop elsewhere, he needed to develop a good personal rtionship with the person in charge of lending at one of the six major banks. This would be a strong help to his future n.


    If apany wanted to grow rapidly, this capitalist society had already told people that the most straightforward and effective method was through mergers.


    And this required money, a lot of money.


    After leaving the bank, Lynch called Cook and other truck drivers. After theirst meeting, he had asked Cook to find other truck drivers. With just a dozen or so drivers, they couldn''t cover all the cities and towns in the state. He needed more.


    Moreover, these people would also be part of the sixty job positions, which was simply perfect.


    After meeting with Cook, he handed over the keys to him, asking him to drive the trucks to the club''s empty lot for temporary storage, and to also check and maintain the vehicles.


    In the evening, Lynch had dinner with Joegleman and his family. In fact, in addition to wanting to strengthen his rtionship with Lynch, he also wanted to introduce his child to Lynch.


    He had a son, and like all parents, Joegleman was also concerned about his child''s future. If he could invest in Lynch now, it would at least ensure his child''s well-being in the future.


    Over the next few days, Lynch continuously registered branch offices of Interster Trading Company in all cities within the state. He also discussed second-hand goods trading with local municipal halls through phone calls and other means.


    With the support of Sabin City''s municipal hall and the tform of the Progressive Party, Lynch was very confident. Besides, this was the Progressive Party''s territory originally. His n did not encounter too much resistance. Companies andnd in various ces were quickly approved, which filled him with enthusiasm.


    For years, he hadn''t experienced this sensation, prompting him to sigh with emotions, "s, the joys of youth."


    On Friday night, Lynch arrived promptly outside the third-floor hall of the Sabin City Holiday Hotel ording to the information Ferrall had given him. Not long after, Ferrall, dressed to impress, emerged from the hall and walked over to him.


    "We have many important guests tonight. The governor''s aide is here too. Although he is also a member of the Progressive Party, his thinking tends to be rtively conservative. Pay attention to your manner of expressionter," Ferrall advised.


    He lit a cigarette. "I''ll finish this cigarette before we go in. I feel like I''m losing my mind." he said with a wry smile, shaking his head. Around them, seven or eight people stood alone in corners or in small groups, smoking and conversing.


    Everyone was very conscious, trying their best not to smoke in the hall. It could be said that they possessed high levels of decorum, but more likely, they didn''t want to lose points in front of the bigwigs.


    Tonight''s reception was organized by members of the Progressive Party in the form of a buffet. Such gatherings were held periodically to exchange experiences and insights, which was what most people imagined as "upper-ss social events."


    Due to his recent active performance and clear stance, Lynch naturally received a formal invitation from the mayor. Moreover, with one of the governor''s aides also in Sabin City, the mayor had Ferrall inform Lynch to attend the reception.


    After waiting for two to three minutes and Ferrall exining some things, Lynch was led into the hall. The reception had just begun, and some people had yet to arrive, making the entire third-floor hall feel somewhat empty.


    Most people gravitated towards the mayor and the governor''s aides. These gentlemen, d in tuxedos, engaged in elegant conversations while holding wine sses, presenting themselves as refined individuals with reserved smiles. None of them exhibited any signs of greed.


    As soon as Lynch entered, someone took the initiative to greet him. This was also one of the "social standards" of high society.


    If a person possessed extremely high value, as long as they appeared in people''s sight, they would be the focus, and people would revolve around them.


    But not everyone in this world was like that. Some people were brighter, so naturally, some were dimmer.


    These dimmer individuals would actively revolve around the brighter ones, hoping that some of their brilliance would shine on them, making them appear less dim.


    Opportunities were never handed out; one had to actively strive for them to seize them. This was the truth here!


    "You must be Mr. Lynch, right?" a middle-aged man who looked about thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old, with an oilyplexion, walked up to him. He even took a ss of wine from a passing waiter''s tray and handed it to Lynch. "Nice to meet you. I''m Lto. You might not have heard of me..."


    Lynch hadn''t heard of this name indeed. Basically, businessmen who could establish themselves in the Progressive Party''s territory were supporters of the Progressive Party, and Lto was no exception. He made political donations on time every year.


    But he wasn''t very famous. Compared to others, he seemed insignificant. He was just a small businessman, and his presence here was merely because he was a staunch supporter of the Progressive Party.


    Small businessmen like him actively socialized with everyone, making him appear somewhat humble. But once he left this ce and returned to his own factory, he was the tyrant king ruling everything in a terrifying manner.


    Lto ran a clothing factory and a nket factory, but business had been slowtely, leaving him feeling overwhelmed. His factories had basically shut downpletely.


    Small businessmen like him didn''t have strong resilience in the face of the current situation, which was why he appeared humble.


    He boasted about the exquisite products his factory produced and their low prices while trying to find opportunities from Lynch.


    "I know about the second-hand goods auction you''re holding. I must say, it''s a great idea. Do you think there''s a possibility of cooperation between us?" His gaze was fixed on Lynch, with a hint of hope, desire, and a readiness for disappointment.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 133:

    Chapter 133:


    All groups engaged in the trade of second-hand goods would ultimately face a very awkward situation: ack of sufficient supply and difficulty in guaranteeing the quality of goods.


    In fact, the most important factor contributing to the sess of the second-hand goods auction organized by Lynch in Sabin City so far was actually the partnership he established with Mr. Fox.


    Because Mr. Fox would not ept items of little value, therge quantity of second-hand goods transferred from his hands to Lynch''s were all of good quality.


    However, as Lynch expanded his business throughout the entire state, he would soon face a major problem: where could he obtain a sufficient supply of second-hand goods that would satisfy people?


    High quality, along with rtively rigid demand, was the foundation upon which the second-hand goods auction could continue to be held and remain profitable.


    This problem appeared challenging to solve, yet in reality, Lynch had long envisioned a solution: recing second-hand goods with brand new products and selling them directly as such!


    This seemed like a somewhat contradictory business model. Selling brand new items as second-hand goods¡ªWould it incur losses or generate profits?


    However, because they were brand new products, they would possess greater appeal to participants. People would be more willing to spend a little more money on these brand-new second-hand goods than they were now.


    In fact, from the outset, Lynch had never considered making profits through selling goods. He had long set his sights on the seats that salespeople must hold.After covering all expenses, he could even host such auctions for free and provide enough goods and this environment for everyone. However, all salespeople must pay for the seats they wanted to hold.


    There were over a dozen cities in the state, each capable of hosting auctions with seating capacities ranging from two to five thousand. Assuming an average of three thousand seats per city, this would umte to approximately forty to fifty thousand seats across all cities. With nearly a million in monthly revenue, even if halved in the future, he could effortlessly earn five hundred thousand per month without any additional effort. So, why would he want to pursue higher profits?


    In order to have people firmly standing by his side and defending his interests, he needed to share the money with those around him. If he only focused on making money for himself, soon people like Richard would gradually drift away from him.


    So where would those brand new cheap goodse from?


    Undoubtedly, they woulde from factories. Therefore, controlling costs became Lynch''s current medium to long-term goal. As the wave of bankruptcies approached the first-tier cities, more and morerge factories began to close down.


    The inventories of theserge factories would be the main source of goods for Lynch''s auctions in the short term. However, to make somethingst longer, one must have been prepared for the long term.


    Lynch had given a positive response to the idea of whether Lto, the owner of the light industry factory, could cooperate. This had immediately excited Lto, and he had begun habitually introducing his products to Lynch.


    "Mainly various seasonal clothes in standard sizes. We have our own designers and raw materials, and we also ept processing finished products with finalized designs..."


    Some factories would not design and produce their own branded clothing; instead, they would engage in original equipment manufacturer production for other brands. To avoid disputes andplications rted to materials and other issues, the orderingpanies would often provide their own design sketches and fabrics and sign agreements on eptable quality standards to safeguard their interests.


    Any clothing factory could quickly change its production content, which was also a characteristic of light industry factories. Of course, this was also the reason why light industry was the first to be impacted and sumbed at the forefront of the wave, as theycked uniqueness.


    Themonality and general applicability of light industry made most of its sectors, which did not have high technological barriers, susceptible to being the first victims in waves of closures. Except for a few factories with technological barriers and patents that could barely maintain production, the rest were essentially doomed.


    Lto''s two factories were also like this. They were unable to receive anymissioned orders at the moment. What they could do, others could also do; however, what others could do, they may not necessarily be able to do.


    Moreover, their warehouses had already been piled up with arge number of clothes and nkets. If no one could save them soon, they would soon end up like others, facing closure.


    Actually, Lynch wasn''t aware that the sparse attendance at the reception wasn''t due to others not showing up, but because many had already been eliminated by the chaotic society. They had gone bankrupt, closed down, lost their societal value, and naturally weren''t among the invited.


    This society was cruel and realistic like that. Businesspeople without value didn''t even have the qualification to attend such gatherings because they couldn''t contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. Instead, they would only cast a sense of destion and decline, which was not what the mayor desired, nor was it fitting for an upscale social setting.


    Lynch pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it over. "We can discuss cooperationter. What do you think?"


    Only until this moment did Lto realise that his actions were somewhat rash. "I apologize for my rude behavior, Mr. Lynch. When are you avable?" After ncing around, he quickly apologised.


    Lynch briefly recalled his schedule for the next week and responded. "How about Tuesday afternoon?"


    "Tuesday afternoon it is!" Lto breathed a sigh of relief; at least Lynch''s demeanor and attitude had made him feel somewhat rxed. He thanked Lynch for the opportunity, took a sip of his drink, then left to seek new opportunities. He wasn''t entirely convinced that Lynch could truly help him, or perhaps he had already resigned himself to the possibility of not being able to coborate with Lynch.


    As soon as Lto left, another person approached. This was a middle-aged man who appeared to be in his forties. His demeanor seemed much better than Lto''s, exuding a calm aura that suggested hispany and finances were not experiencing significant issues.


    He reached out his hand voluntarily, and it felt pleasantly warm. Unlike Lto''s slightly mmy handshake, this person''s handshake conveyed a sense of his current situation almost immediately. It was a rather remarkable sensation.


    "Duncan..." He introduced himself with simplicity, then went on, "I know you, Mr. Lynch."


    Lynch raised an eyebrow, and they both timely let go of each other''s hands. There were a few more people who had intended to approach Lynch, but now they paused. They would wait for Duncan and Lynch''s conversation to end before attempting to engage with Lynch; that was the custom.


    "Oh? But I''m not very familiar with you," Lynch replied calmly. In a way, Duncan''s words weren''t very polite, and of course, Lynch''s response wasn''t either.


    However, until both parties had shown clear affection or animosity, the uncertainty of the context did not allow thisck of politeness to affect either side.


    "I currently work at Loop Real Estate, as the general manager," he said, his face showing a hint of pride. Of course, his job indeed qualified him to have such thoughts.


    Loop Real Estate was a newly establishedpany under the Loop Industrial Group, which itself had been in existence for less than ten years. Loop Industrial on the other hand held considerable significance and influence within the state, being arge research-oriented industrial group.


    Their primary focus was on developing machinery that catered to market demands, such as the various machinery used in Lto''s clothing factory and nket factory, all sourced from Loop Industrial.


    And Loop Real Estate, essentially, was to improve their financial reports to boost their stock price.


    Duncan''s intentions were very obvious; he had his eye on the piece ofnd in Lynch''s hands.


    When the club was first established, the city wasn''t asrge as it was now. What was once considered far from the city center was now right next to it, and its value had increased countless times over.


    In the past, people had considered epting the club, but the problem was that big conglomerates like Loop Industrial believed that a professional rugby club was a money-burning and fruitless venture. So, until Lynch took over, perhaps some people had their eyes on that piece ofnd, but no one had made a move.


    Now that Lynch had expressed his intention to sell, it would naturally attract the interest of some people.


    The two of them talked briefly and roughly, not delving into details. This was a reception, not an office; no one would finalize any deals here. At most, they would leave an intention.


    After agreeing on a time for further discussion, Duncan left satisfied. Soon after, the third person appeared in front of Lynch.


    Standing on the other side, Ferrall watched Lynch''s natural handling of the situation with a somewhat unreal feeling. It was because he had seen many people make a fool of themselves at such gatherings for the first time, leaving behind some jokes for various reasons.


    Including himself; the first time he attended a more sophisticated social gathering with his elders, he had caused someughter due to being overly restrained and cautious.


    But looking at Lynch, he always felt that he... he didn''t know how to describe it. He both hoped that Lynch would embarrass himself, yet also hoped that he would perform more perfectly.


    People were inherently contradictory. They were willing to believe in the existence of perfection in the world, as it reflected their kind and optimistic nature. However, they were reluctant for this belief to be true, as it would highlight their own imperfections.


    Gradually, some people started to gather around Lynch. This phenomenon was rare. It was rare for a neer to be the center of attention at such an asion.


    If Lynch had elders, they would probably have told him before attending the gathering to manage his mouth and not say anything irrelevant, but rather, listen to others'' thoughts and maintain his attitude.


    Upon seeing this, Ferrall couldn''t help but feel curious. He wondered what Lynch was saying to attract such attention and cause others to gather around him.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 134:

    Chapter 134:


    In the current environment of the Federation, whether the future development trend was heading towards improvement or deterioration was always a subject of controversy.


    Amidst optimismy deep-seated fear and despair about the future.


    Perhaps the unprecedented prosperity in the financial markets at present was thest effort some people made to prove that the "future" might not necessarily be bleak. They had been sessful for many years, but ultimately they were destined to fail.


    Whenever such topics arose, some people would boldly express views contrary to the mainstream, attracting people to their side.


    In fact, people were not necessarily drawn to Lynch because they wanted to hear his annoying nonsense at the moment. They didn''t believe the future would worsen, although they were prepared for it and acknowledged the possibility internally.


    What they wanted was to uncover ws in Lynch''s words, thereby refuting his views. This would allow them to deceive themselves by convincing that all negative viewpoints were unfounded, fostering the belief that the future would only improve.


    Ferrall chuckled. He felt that Lynch had mastered the art of attracting attention. At least he was drawn to him. He didn''t push his way in but stood on the periphery of the crowd like others, watching Lynch speak confidently among the crowd.


    "I read today''s ''Trading Report'' beforeing here. The Federal Industrial Index has once again reached a historic high, and the daily trading volume has also reached a new peak..."


    He stood amidst the crowd with a ss of wine, showing no signs of the nervousness typical of young people on his face, onlyposure and an aura that could calm others down to listen to his nonsense.He took a sip of wine, and as he raised his ss, the people around him suddenly took a deep breath. Some were even whispering about the content of Lynch''s words.


    When he put down his ss, people began to hold their breath and focus on him again.


    It felt great!


    In fact, at such times, going against the mainstream optimism was not a good idea. When everyone was embracing optimistic confusion, stepping forward to deliver the news of impending doomsday would only yieldints and a cascade of negative emotions, even opposition, rather than gratitude.


    But Lynch had no choice. He was too young and didn''te from a privileged background. If he were the heir to a financial conglomerate or a prominent family, he wouldn''t need to do this at all.


    He had nothing, just a child from an ordinary family. He didn''t have any capital to rely on, but he still needed people''s support and trust. So the best way was to establish a clear image, one that always stood on the right side.


    Perhaps some people were cursing him in their hearts now, but when doomsday arrived, they would think of him first and urgently hope to get some redemption or inspiration from him.


    "Gentlemen, it''s important to recognize that many businesses and factories around us are facing closures. Numerous enterprises have remained dormant for quite some time. However, the financial markets are booming like never before. This should already serve as a stark warning from our society."


    "Some things are deceiving our perception, and some things are unfolding in ways that defy our understanding of the norm. It signifies that disaster is already on its way."


    Of course, as mentioned earlier, some people here listened to Lynch''s views not because they agreed with him but because they wanted to prove him wrong.


    At this moment, a gentleman in his forties cleared his throat, and Lynch promptly paused. People turned to look at him or directed their attention towards him. He then voiced his opinion, "Mr. Lynch, if you believe that the prosperity of the financial market is false, then why are we all making money?"


    "And..." he emphasized, pausing for a moment to organize his thoughts, "I noticed some peoplepare the current financial market to a game of passing the handkerchief. If something unexpected really happens, only the unlucky few holding the handkerchief will suffer, not the entire federal financial system. What do you think about this?"


    Passing the handkerchief was a rather traditional game in the Bayler Federation, featuring a simple yet engaging gamey. Participants would gather together, sing songs and pass the handkerchief around the circle. When the song stopped, the individual holding the handkerchief would need to rise to share a talent with the group.


    Before this, some people thought that the current financial market might be a bit risky, but this risk wasn''t for everyone; it was only for a few, such as those holding stocks.


    Out of a hundred people, only one person held stocks. So even if the stocks became worthless, only thest person would suffer, not everyone.


    This viewpoint quickly gained consensus in society, which was why trading volume continued to increase. Everyone believed they couldplete the action before the song stopped and that even if someone ended up as the unlucky one, the game would quickly resume.


    After a brief downturn, a new cycle of prosperity would swiftly emerge.


    This misleading and concept-switching argument, driven by some people, soon became one of the reasons people believed that finance would continue to develop steadily. But in reality, the problem was much more serious than that.


    Because what people were passing around wasn''t a handkerchief; it was a bomb. The bomb wouldn''t spare anyone within its range.


    Moreover, this was also aplex process. Theplexity of society and human greed would ensure that more than just one person would suffer in this game; it would be the entire economic body supporting the nation.


    Facing this issue, Lynch shook his head, "This view ismon and widespread, but I think everyone here has overlooked one thing..." He was already prepared for some to challenge him.


    "Stocks and finance fundamentally represent the value of tangible industries."


    "If someday the financial market copses, the unlucky ones won''t just be the financial investors holding stocks, but every one of us!"


    At this point, someone couldn''t help but say, "Mr. Lynch, your statement is a bit exaggerated. Why would things unrted to us affect us?"


    "I didn''t buy their stocks, nor do I have any business dealings with them. Why would their prosperity or decline affect me?" The speaker seemed very dissatisfied with Lynch''s statement and immediately offered a different view.


    "And besides, a professor from the Federal Central University also mentioned before that the current wave of closures and the prosperity of the financial markets actually have little connection. The closures are simply the result of natural marketpetition."


    "Manypanies are facing closure, but we also see manypanies thriving. The financial doomsayers are just fearmongering¡ªdisturbing others'' perception and judgment with unsettling content. I believe everyone here believes tomorrow will only be better."


    Lynch didn''t continue to argue. He didn''te here to make enemies with people holding different views. He was just expressing his opinion. When someone presented a decisive statement, he knew it was time to stop.


    If this topic continued, it might make him enemies with people who had no business dealings with him originally.


    "Maybe you''re right." He raised his ss, and the people around politely raised theirs too, ending this ufortable topic. "To the Federation..."


    Then the crowd dispersed, everyone went to find someone else to chat with or look for opportunities. Ferrall leaned in, "Your views are unique, but it''s best not to say these things here."


    He gestured towards two figures heavily surrounded by the attendees at the event, "At least they don''t like to hear it, nor do they want to see it be a reality."


    "There are things you know but cannot say. Once you voice them, if they do be reality, it''ll only make others appear foolish."


    It was a heartfelt statement. The five thousand bucks Lynch spent weren''t in vain, plus Ferrall made a valid point.


    During disasters and hardships, people would often overlook their own issues and tend to shift me onto others. Once the financial storm hit and the Federation''s financial order copsed, some individuals, in an attempt to evade responsibility, would im that certain individuals had already predicted the disaster. However, those capable of preventing the disaster had chosen to turn a blind eye.


    This might elevate certain individuals'' fame but would also make them detested by those hurt by their words.


    Lynch frowned slightly. "I think I understand..."


    Ferrall nodded. "Everyone here today is essentially here for that aide close to the governor. You better go over and say a few ttering words. You''re younger than the others, so he''ll definitely remember you."


    Upon careful consideration, Lynch realized Ferrall was right. He patted Ferrall''s arm and walked to the edge of the crowd, pretending to be full of curiosity as he watched the governor''s aide converse with the crowd.


    He refrained from speaking immediately, waiting for the right moment. However, his intentions were interrupted when the mayor spotted him and approached.


    "Lynch..."


    Lynch turned at the sound, his face disying a hint of surprise as he respectfully bowed. "Mr. Mayor..."


    The exchange between them caught the attention of those who around Lynch. Conversations halted, and the crowd willingly cleared a path, allowing their central figures to see the mayor and Lynch standing between them.


    The mayor friendly patted Lynch''s shoulder, then nced at the governor''s aide with a smile. "This is Lynch, the outstanding young man I mentioned during ourst conference call."


    Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 135:

    Chapter 135:


    In the Baylor Federation, ording to official statements, the greatest authorityy first with the Chief Justice of the city courts, who representedw and justice.


    Next were the speakers of the two state houses, followed by the legitors. They could fight for some policy support for a city on the political stage that spanned the entire state, and even enact some localws and regtions; only they could do this.


    Then there were the mayors. Officially, the mayor''s power was limited to managing the development of a city. They were simply a manager elected by the citizens of a city to serve the people.


    Look, even at times like these, proud citizens wouldn''t even call him mayor, they would just call him a city manager.


    But in reality, such official statements were never reliable, just like the promises made by the president, who was also a member of the Conservative Party, before taking office toplete medical and educational reforms. People couldn''t take such words seriously, although they really hoped they were true and these words also sounded good.


    In a city, the mayor held the greatest power. Although they were indeed a manager elected by the people, they controlled every aspect of a city. To maintain the dignity of the people and to give these foolish citizens a sense of participation and honor, making them continue to support the mayor''s administration, politicians would say that power was temporarily handed over to the mayor by the people.


    It was such a touching and stirring statement.


    When a city''s unquestionable prominent figure praised a specific individual in public, it was definitely not just a casual act; it undoubtedly carried political significance.


    Many people would say not to overinterpret the behavior of a politician, but in fact, it was not that people wanted to overinterpret, it was that politicians always use this method to express deeper meanings, which made it impossible for people not to overinterpret.Under the gaze of the public, the expression on Lynch''s face became even more humble and affable.


    A striking young man could always effortlessly capture the favor of those around him,plemented by a subtle touch of shyness gracing his features. His smile, tinged with bashfulness, invariably dissolved any hint of aggression from his face and demeanor, eliciting affection from all who encountered him.


    Especially for those who had already achieved some sess, mentoring younger generations was something they liked to do. Everyone had a gene in their bodies to be a good mentor. When they encountered a good student, this gene would erupt.


    Then someone echoed and praised Lynch''s recent achievements. Many of them knew Lynch. It wasn''t difficult to find something to talk about, whether from newspapers or from friends.


    These people, while echoing, looked at the mayor or Lynch with friendly smiles on their faces. The sincerity in their smiles could even move people to tears.


    Another core figure in today''s reception, the aide to the governor, looked at Lynch with surprise, then at the mayor before quickly turning his gaze back to Lynch. He even reached out and patted his arm. "I thought the Lynch you mentioned would be a middle-aged man."


    Just as there were always people saying not to overinterpret the behavior of politicians, but at that moment, the governor''s aides weren''t really expressing genuine surprise at Lynch''s youthfulness, but rather were conveying an attitude, an attitude of Lynch being favored by him or even the governor.


    "He has achieved such remarkable sess at such a young age; he''s truly an extraordinary young man. Both the governor and I really like him!" ¡ª That was what he wanted to convey, along with the content that was overinterpreted.


    Of course, if these contents were reversed, it would be a disaster. For instance, saying, "I thought you would be younger," the implication behind such a statement was, "Only immature young people would do something so foolish; you''ve lived long enough to know better."


    Regardless, setting aside this opportunity to exercise one''s ability to read between the lines, Lynch nodded slightly to express his humility and respect towards the other party.


    Next came the more normal conversation. The aide mentioned something rted to the Second-Hand Goods Auction that Lynch was currently organizing: "I''ve heard about this matter, and my colleagues and I have been paying attention for some time. I''ve also seen your reports."


    He paused here, giving Lynch and others some time to understand his message, then continued, "The governor is very interested in the constructive ideas you''ve proposed, and he''s pleased with how well the recent auctions have been organized. I''ve heard the transaction volumes have been quite satisfactory."


    "Yes¡­" Lynch nodded. Until now, neither the others nor this aide had introduced himself to Lynch, so Lynch could only nod his head in response.


    "That''s great." The aide lightly held Lynch''s arm and looked at the others. "I don''t know if you all are aware, but I have to say this is a very good idea and concept."


    "Currently, under the leadership of our ''Iron Wall President,'' it''s clear that the federation has encountered some challenges. These difficulties extend beyond our own experiences; the entire federal society is facing a challenging period."


    "At this time, we should set aside prejudices, look further ahead, unite together, and ovee these challenges together."


    He timely let go of his hand, and Lynch also voluntarily stepped aside. At this moment, he faintly understood what was happening, while the governor''s aide continued speaking.


    "Mr. Lynch has found a new method for us with his astonishing way of thinking at such a young age. While alleviating the pressure on the people and reducing their living expenses, he has also pursued his own interests."


    "Even Mr. Governor is very appreciative of this. He believes that there should be more people like Mr. Lynch here who can help us and our people through the current difficulties, rather than leeching off the people."


    He paused once more, then raised a finger¡ªdefinitely not the middle one. "Gentlemen, please understand, challenges affect not only ordinary people but also us."


    "Only through unity can we ovee difficulties¡­"


    Standing in the crowd, Lynch held a ss of wine and watched as the mayor and the governor''s aide faced the participants, saying some high-sounding words. He gradually understood some things.


    This was rted to what Ferrall talked aboutst time regarding the Listoan Group and their group CEO''s attitude. During the casual conversation, Ferrall mentioned in passing about some displeasure between Neo, the CEO of Listoan, and the mayor.


    Later, Lynch flipped through the newspaper and found some information rted to the Listoan Group. It was a conglomerate spanning three cities but headquartered in Sabin City.


    The Listoan Group primarily earned revenue from both the clothing and food sectors. With ownership of over a hundred unique clothing brands and a nationwide presence of multiple fast-food and restaurant chains, totaling more than a hundred stores, they made significant tax contributions to Sabin City annually.


    However, they had begun to align themselves with the conservative party. Following the esction of conflict between Neo and the Mayor, the mayor reported the incident to the upper echelons of the Progressive Party. Internally, the party believed that the mayor was not at fault; rather, Listoan was seen as being too greedy.


    To avoid the mayor''s authority and prestige being affected by Listoan''s problems, and also to serve as a warning to Neo and his people, the governor''s aide suddenly visited Sabin City and used Lynch''s second-hand goods auction as an example to bring up the need and necessity for "unity".


    This was a warning to the Listoan Group that if they didn''t "unite" with them soon, the one who would be abandoned would not be the mayor but the Listoan Group.


    In the crowd, Lynch''s face bore a joyful and excited smile as he continued to taste the wine. He knew he had drunk a bit too much, and the alcohol was starting to affect his perception of the world, making him feel a bit dizzy. But he couldn''t deny that he enjoyed this feeling.


    He enjoyed the feeling of being part of the game, where everyone around him became participants. He might not be famous now, but he believed he would eventually advance to the "finals," where he wouldpete on the most prestigious and morous stage with top politicians and capitalists. That would surely be very interesting.


    ying alone was too boring. Only by engaging in this kind ofpetition could life have more vor and color!


    In the "game" initiated by Lynch, there was no trace of Lynch anymore. His current status, wealth, and ss were not enough to participate in this level ofpetition. However, he didn''t have to worry about getting implicated. The governor''s aide had said it himself: the governor liked Lynch and his business.


    At least for a short time, he didn''t need to worry about someone trying to sabotage him.


    Just as Lynch was gradually being "excluded" to the outer circle of the group, someone holding a ss of wine approached him. "I''m very interested in your current business. May I ask, do you ept investments?"


    When some people around heard this, their attention immediately shifted from the core of the circle back to Lynch and the person beside him. Lynch nced at the person unexpectedly and nodded.


    They naturally assumed Lynch wouldn''t agree, as any profitable business would be best operated alone. Besides, Lynch was still young and might have some youthful temper.


    But to their surprise, Lynch nodded, causing some of the people around to be restless. A business that even the governor praised was no longer just about making money; it had very important political value.


    Lynch found these people very lovely. He had been considering how to quickly get funds to support his business n, but unexpectedly, someone immediately came to offer money.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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    Chapter 136:


    The reception ended in the thick atmosphere ofmerce. After the governor''s aide delivered an "inspirational" speech, both the aide and the mayor left, supposedly to adjust the future direction of Sabin City.


    But this was normal. Although the event was organized by progressives, the majority of attendees were capitalists and businessmen.


    Having a few politicians here wasn''t a good choice. It would give the public a terrifying negative impression, making them think that the elected officials were colluding with capitalists, even though the two were never really separate.


    In thetter half of the reception, the business atmosphere became heavier. Many people briefly chatted with Lynch and exchanged contact information. They were all businessmen in the same faction now. If there were needs, they could provide each other with some assistance within their capabilities.


    It was a society of favors. If one didn''t help others, why should others help them?


    This was why some people always scrambled to enter exclusive circles. Often, sess and these circles were synonymous.


    The impact generated by this reception far exceeded the spection of the participants. Or rather, as participants, they were in the midst of the situation and were unaware of the changes in the outside world.


    Less than ten minutes after the governor''s aide mentioned "unity," the board of directors of Listoan Group initiated a conference call.


    Almost all avable directors participated in this conference call, including the CEO, Mr. Neo, who was suddenly called back.It wasn''t overreacting. Roles such as those of the mayor and the governor often required careful navigation of expressing their attitudes. They had to maintain a sense of potential concessions, albeit in a vague and implicit manner, all while avoiding appearing too weak. So, how would they effectively manage this delicate bnce?


    That was where their aides, the staff members, came into y. The remarks made by the governor''s aide during the reception had obviously been deciphered. However, it was not good news for the Listoan Group.


    As a publicly listedpany, they were well aware of the intimate connection between the attitude of local governments and stock prices.


    If they couldn''t resolve these issues before Monday''s opening, Listoan''s stock price was likely to plummet.


    As the mayor initially imagined, facing conglomerates like Listoan, preaching ethics, morality, social responsibility, and rules would be futile. They would act oblivious to everything, always pursuing more profits.


    As long as profits were attractive enough, viting morals, ethics, orws wouldn''t hinder them in the slightest.


    It was only when they felt the pain, when their wealth started to shrink, that they began to consider those things.


    "Who''s in charge of the Policy Office now?"


    As the conference callmenced, just before Neo could take the lead with his maic and well-known voice, another voice unexpectedly broke through, causing a stir among all participants. It belonged to none other than Auburn Listoan, the chairman of Listoan Group, a venerable figure whose lineage traced back to thepany''s founder.


    Over the years, however, this family business, which initially could only be considered a small enterprise, evolved into arge-scale conglomerate under the management of Mr. Auburn and his father.


    Of course, strictly speaking, thispany no longer belonged to them. Yet, their wealth had grown exponentiallypared to when theypletely controlled thepany.


    The old man typically refrained from interfering in thepany''s affairs. But his initial inquiry about the Policy Office immediately signaled to everyone that he was alleviating pressure for Neo. It was worth noting that the current CEO of the conglomerate, Mr. Neo, was also Auburn''s son-inw.


    Everyrgepany had a dedicated policy research office. Perhaps the department''s name might vary, but its purpose remained the same.


    They would search for policies beneficial to thepany''s development or policies that posed risks, then create opportunities for themselves or advocate for a reconsideration of whether the legition was worthwhile in the state council.


    This was one of the significant differences between small andrgepanies. Many smallpanies hadn''t realized how much actively seeking policies could help their development.


    For example, in this state, there was a policy encouraging factories or enterprises to establish vocational training schools. By training a certain number of students, they could receive tax reductions and financial subsidies from the government.


    Many people were unaware of such a policy, and some, even upon learning of it, may feel it didn''t concern them. However, inrgepanies like Listoan, every factory would allocate a room for training workers to acquire technical skills. This training method involved allowing them to work normally while receiving guidance as they worked.


    Many workers referred to this so-called training as "guided holidays." They were relieved from the intense pressure of working on high-speed assembly lines. The factories would rotate them to receive guidance and, as a result, they were entitled to tax deductions and educational allowances ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands.


    The significance of these policy supports should not be underestimated. Across multiple factories and businesses, the cumtive effect of tax reductions and subsidies could yield Listoan hundreds of thousands of bucks in additional profit annually.


    Policies like these weren''t the only ones. There were many others that required dedicated individuals to monitor government policy trends and research rted content. The tax savings and various subsidies saved each year could amount to a staggering figure.


    Now, the chairman of the board had interrupted the conference call that should have been led by Neo, immediately shifting the responsibility to the Policy Research Office. Those participating in the call already knew what wasing next.


    Neo followed up with an exnation, "Mr. Chairman, the consultant of the Policy Office does not have the qualifications to attend board meetings..." After all, they were merely political consultants like Ferrall and were not given shares by thepany, nor were they given the opportunity to attend such meetings.


    "Is that so?" The chairman''s voice was filled with a somewhat expected surprise. "My apologies. I''m getting older, and with what happened tonight night, I''m extremely dissatisfied that our consultant failed to provide timely warnings. He didn''t do his job well."


    This statement was just nonsense. Everyone knew the real reason behind this matter. If it hadn''t been for Neo''s tough attitude leading to a fallout between him and the mayor, this situation wouldn''t have urred. Even high-ranking officials like the governor were getting involved now, that was definitely not good news for Listoan.


    Any problems that could be escted were not simple problems. Neo''s and the mayor''s reluctance topromise ultimately stemmed from internal struggles within Listoan Group.


    Some believed Neo wasn''t suitable for the current CEO position. Moreover, these people thought Auburn had already monopolized the chairman position of the board. Allowing Neo to be CEO would indirectly give this father-and-son-inw duo control over Listoan Group, which belonged to all shareholders. Yes, Listoan Group didn''t belong to Auburn Listoan or Neo. After it went public, it belonged to all investors. Auburn and Neo were just investors, albeit trusted ones who were given their current positions.


    In recent years, thepany''s development had slowed down, leading to dissatisfaction among many shareholders. This was furtherpounded by the sudden investigation and copse of EverBright Group, with whom the conglomerate had close business ties, resulting in some of thepany''s assets and business being implicated.


    Some board members believed that acquiring a significant portion of EverBright Group''s ''legacy'' would serve aspensation for the assets and business severed during the investigation. Simultaneously, they sought to leverage industries left behind by EverBright Group to facilitate the conglomerate''s transformation or upgrade."


    This was a good n in theory. However, the person who proposed and advocated for this idea, and who called for a board vote, was neither Neo nor Auburn but another major shareholder.


    In the world of capital, there was never room for sentiment. This major shareholder had already harbored intentions to oust this father-and-son-inw duo. This led to Neo having to show a strong stance; otherwise, the other party might convene a board meeting to remove him from his position.


    The conflict between Neo and the mayor made him temporarily unsuitable for reassignment within the conglomerate. If he won, no one would mention this period of struggle. If he lost, the conglomerate would also need a scapegoat to gain forgiveness from the Progressive Party''s politicians. A sitting CEO of the conglomerate was always better than a former one.


    Faced with immense pressure, Neo and Auburn decided to go all-in. Originally, they intended to use the Conservative Party to stimtepetition between the two parties and thereby secure victory. However, it now appeared that the Progressive Party was not inclined topromise, which introduced a fatal w in their strategy.


    After a brief pause, Neo didn''t dodge the issue. First, he apologized to all board members. After all, it was because of the n he pushed forward that affected thepany''s strategy and stability. He couldn''t shirk his responsibility.


    Then, he shifted the conversation to the current situation.


    "I''ve received information from alternative sources indicating that even if we were to acquiesce, if I were to step down from the position of CEO and offer apologies to the mayor, governor, and others, expressing sincere regret, our circumstances still would not ameliorate." Neo said.


    "Since two years ago, our financial reports haven''t shown significant progress. From an outsider''s perspective, our operations seem normal, but..." Neo suddenly sighed. "I need to apologize again. In reality, under my instructions, I had the finance department falsify the financial reports..."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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    Chapter 137:


    Once a listedpany faces usations of falsifying financial reports, its reputation could quickly plummet. Even if its stocks were revered as "golden stocks" in the stock market moments ago, the mere urrence of such an event could instantly transform them into worthless "junk stocks," devoid of any value.


    The entire market''s understanding of the operational situation of a listedpany mainly came from the financial reports released by thepany in each reporting period.


    These reports would contain detailed operational situations, and finally a precise conclusion: how much money they made, how much they lost, how many assets they had, how their operations were performing, and so on.


    People outside thepany, and even those within, may not necessarily have aprehensive understanding of apany. Coupled with this being a society built on trust, people were willing to believe that these listedpanies would not engage in the heinous act of manipting data, so few would question the uracy of a listedpany''s financial report.


    In reality, they alsocked ways for questioning. Even if they found things suspicious, they would have no means or opportunity to unravel the mysteries in their minds.


    But it must be said, for a listedpany, falsifying financial reports was like teetering on the edge of an active volcano. Even if they didn''t plunge in, they''d inevitably get burned.


    After Neo disclosed the falsification of the financial reports, the telephone receiver was suddenly inundated with a flurry of voices. He could sense the distress of the people on the other end of the phone line, but he remained unfazed. After all, he and his wife''s father were no longer the primary shareholders of thepany.


    If there were to be a problem, the two of them as father and son-inw wouldn''t be able to escape. But neither would the other shareholders fare any better; they would also face the prospect of bankruptcy. This was precisely why Neo was confident that even if he revealed such information, these people wouldn''t report him.


    "Neo, Auburn, you''remitting a crime!""I''m going to report you!"


    Soon, the receiver erupted with the emotionally charged roar of Listoan Group''s board''srgest shareholder. It was evident from his voice that besides being hoarse, there was also a tremble.


    Neo remained calm, replying with a joking tone, "Feel free to hang up now and report me for falsifying financial reports."


    "I believe the Federal Financial Crimes Investigation Bureau, the Federal Tax Bureau, and the media would be very interested in your report."


    The Federal Financial Crimes Investigation Bureau was a branch under the Federal Bureau of Investigation, operating independently to investigate andbat all financial crimes.


    Neo''s words unexpectedly silenced thergest shareholder. After about four or five seconds of silence, other members within the board began to console him. If this person with a bad temper were to really report Neo, they would all be in trouble.


    After a brief persuasion, thergest shareholder made only one demand, "You must exin the purpose behind your actions. If you can''t convince me, I will immediately report your illegal activities..."


    Although this statement sounded fierce, it was essentially a threat with a way out. Neo certainly knew how to y along.


    "Of course, that''s precisely what I want to discuss with everyone, as it pertains to our future actions."


    "In fact, starting from three years ago, Listoan''s profits began to decline rapidly, and around two years ago, thepany has experienced its first loss..."


    Simply put, Neo noticed some issues with Listoan at that time. Cash flow had slowed down, inventory of goods had piled up, coupled with people having less money in hand, and consumption power started to decline, a conglomerate with hundreds of brands would inevitably face the same issues as smaller enterprises.


    Neo, Auburn, and their trusted confidants believed this wasn''t just a simple phenomenon. At their insistence, the finance department modified the financial reports for the Federal Tax Bureau, turning losses into sustained profits, and even showing growth.


    The decision Neo made quickly yielded the desired results. Listoan Group''s stock continued to rise in the market, and the rise in stock prices made the losses seem insignificant.


    In his own words, in the annual summary report, the skyrocketing grouppany''s overall market value driven by the increase in stock prices was enough to offset the losses in operations.


    It was a poison pill. Under continuous operational losses, using rising stock prices to cover up poor management seemed like a good thing, but it was all built on false data.


    Up until today, two years of financial fraud were enough to bring Listoan crashing down in an instant. Neo didn''t even hide anything. In rtively cold-blooded words, he told all the shareholders, himself and his father-inw Auburn had already cashed out nearly half of their shares.


    In other words, the shares they currently held were not enough to maintain their positions.


    Facing the shareholders'' anger and curses, Neo and Auburn remained indifferent, even a bit smug.


    Of course, there were many criminal activities involved. This was why Neo and Auburn still held the positions of CEO and the chairman of the board. They wanted to absolve themselves of guilt, and the best way to do that was to ensure their illegal actions weren''t investigated.


    "From the information I have now, Listoan is actually in a very dangerous situation. This is why I had to push Langdon so hard..."


    Langdon was the name of the mayor of Sabin City.


    Neo sat in his study chair, holding a high-quality, in-colored Colofu in one hand and the phone in the other. His gaze seemed somewhat distant, as if the smoke rising from the Colofu cigarette had clouded his eyes, preventing him from seeing clearly, yet it was as if his gaze pierced through reality, into a void.


    "Only by acquiring EverBright''s most crucial resources can Listoan quickly transform and gain a lifeline."


    "Originally, our secret negotiations with EverBright were halfway through, but a sudden investigation by the Federal Tax Bureau halted our ns. If we don''t pressure Langdon, we won''t get the chance to save ourselves from this quagmire. But as it stands, it seems we''ve failed."


    The shareholders of EverBright had already nned to withdraw their funds and return to their homnd for post-war reconstruction. Those once valuable businesses and channels had now be their means of liquidation.


    If not for the sudden intervention of the Federal Tax Bureau, Listoan might have already secured what they wanted.


    Unfortunately, everything had been disrupted.


    The phone line remained eerily quiet, with only heavy breathing audible. No one knew that Listoan''s current situation had deteriorated to such an extent. It was worth noting that in the outside world, just the name of the conglomerate could make many people proud.


    In this state, everyone took pride in being an employee of Listoan Group!


    For such apany to be on the brink of bankruptcy, as Neo described, was truly hard to imagine.


    But in fact, it wasn''t entirely unexpected. When Listoan''s sales began to slow down, it was destined for them to face a downturn.


    With tens of thousands of workers, millions had to be paid out in wages every month, but their inflows and profits were slowing down too much.


    On one hand, they had toy off some employees to save costs, and on the other hand, they used financial fraud to inte stock prices, then cashed out to obtain the necessary funds.


    Much of the funds that Auburn and Neo cashed out were actually invested back into thepany''s operations. Of course, they did so under the guise of borrowing to thepany through third-party names; they weren''t that selfless.


    The silence of the people satisfied Neo. Now that everyone was basically on the same page, he continued with his thoughts, "I''ve been in contact with some people from the Conservative Party. They are more agreeable than Langdon and also agree with my views and ideas on the current changes in thepany. They are willing to try cooperating with us."


    "They''ve offered very favorable policies. This is an opportunity, a chance to rid ourselves of burdens."


    "We will shed those workers and employees who have been draining us of blood and leave with our wealth directly. This way, none of our previous actions will be called into question."


    "More importantly, I ask that none of you do anything. When the market opens on Monday, rumors of serious discord between Langdon and me, as well as the governor''s disdain for Listoan, will spread. When that happens, our stock price will plummet rapidly. I urge you to also sell off some shares to lower the stock price. After the government intervention, I will announce the initiation of privatization."


    "And then... we can all leave here worry free, and I assure you that each of you will not see a drastic decrease in your worth."


    This was a n Neo and Auburn had deliberated on for a long time. Their initial idea was to acquire the assets they had previously negotiated with EverBright, quickly integrate EverBright''s channels and advantageous industries, and reactivate the projects they held after the merger.


    But given the current circumstances, if that was not feasible, then it was time to take a bold approach: to simply take the core of thepany and leave this ce, while also leaving some troubles behind locally.


    In the future, when people spoke of Listoan, they wouldn''t say that certain people had driven thepany to the point of having to leave. They might even leverage Langdon''s and the governor''s dislike for them to add a political dimension to their departure.


    As for financial fraud, those who knew wouldn''t speak, and those who wanted to make trouble for them wouldn''t know about it.


    It was an impable n. Even if these concerns were brought upter on, the repercussions would likely be minimal, perhaps just fines or other mary penalties. They might even manage to avoid any real consequences, making them a textbook example of financial maniption!


    As long as the conglomerate and the shareholders didn''t hold him ountable, he wouldn''t even need to face punishment¡ªafter privatization, he would only be ountable to the shareholders, and as long as they didn''t pursue his responsibility, he wouldn''t be prosecuted.


    Of course, that was all in the future. What they needed to do now was to weather the storm!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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    Chapter 138:


    Neo ultimately persuaded the board members with his eloquence and his ns, which was also rted to the current situation in Listoan.


    These people wouldn''t blindly trust someone who had deceived them more than once. They would surely find out for themselves if what Neo said was true or not and then make a decision.


    But fundamentally, there wouldn''t be much change because this time Neo wasn''t lying.


    However, these matters remained distant from the concerns of ordinary people. The notion of a key economic enterprise contemting departure from a region, despite potential agreements with local authorities on certain fronts, wouldn''t be easily achieved.


    Just resettling the workers and employees who couldn''t move to other states with Listoan would consume a lot of time.


    The next day, which was Saturday, after the fermentation of the Friday reception, people began to pay attention to some aspects of Lynch''s second-hand goods trading auction.


    Some individuals who didn''t seem to fit in with the rest appeared at this auction.


    They were dressed in expensive formal attire, maintaining a refined appearance even in the scorching heat. Despite their continuous perspiration and asional wiping of sweat, they still managed to exude a sense of grace that didn''te across as overly impolite.


    These individuals watched Lynch''s auction throughout, and some even actively participated. In fact, these individuals were all potential partners of Lynch.How to expand a business had always been something businessmen relentlessly pursued.


    The conclusions drawn by each person might vary. Some might believe in putting effort into craftsmanship, while others might emphasize integrity. But what truly facilitated rapid business expansion was the operation and means of capital.


    Perhaps the presence of these respectable individuals today sparked a desire for consumption in some, because by the time the auction ended at seven in the evening, the total transaction amount was slightly higher thanst week by twenty thousand bucks. This unexpected upward trend brought many positive effects to the auction.


    As soon as the auction ended, several businessmen approached Lynch, wanting to discuss cooperation matters with him.


    Capitalism was never kind,passionate, or loving.


    In the ocean of capitalism, plunder was fundamental.


    Under federal and financialws, if apany''s market value surpassed ten million, it was required to ept investments from investors. Of course, the way they presented this requirement sounded more appealing, saying that mandating that apany with assets exceeding ten million to have multiple shareholders and a board of directors with more than ten members was primarily aimed at preventing financial crimes.


    In other words, if Lynch''s Interster Trading Company''s market value exceeded ten million, he wouldn''t have the right to refuse investment from others; otherwise, hispany might face investigation.


    As for how much money others could invest and how much stake they could get from him, he could negotiate, but he couldn''t refuse.


    And when apany''s market value exceeded one billion, thepany must go public. Only after being listed for a period could it be delisted.


    In official terms, aspanies expanded, they were expected to contribute to society while also being subject tomunity oversight. This was also intended to prevent financial crimes.


    But in reality, thesews were primarily for the convenience of capital to prey on other capital. The market of capital was always a deep, dark ocean, where everyone was a predator and, at the same time, prey. It was a game of survival.


    Infinite appreciation and depreciation were the mostmon phenomena in this world. How to be someone who appreciated and was always in a position of a predator was what every businessman, especially those who could be called capitalists, pursued.


    Compared to other entrepreneurs who feared investors, Lynch''s attitude seemed much more generous. He even invited these people to a hotel and opened a business suite with a meeting room.


    Sitting in the room, feeling the cool breeze from the central air conditioning, these gentlemen who had been stifled in the gym for hours finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    After a brief rest, someone smiled and asked Lynch about his views on investment.


    In fact, at yesterday''s reception, these people had already exchanged opinions with Lynch. Today, they mainly came here to inspect on-site. If they could cooperate, they would. If they couldn''t but there was profit, they would consider whether they couldpete with Lynch for business.


    While they wouldn''t openly admit to it, behind the scenes, they would have individuals register apany to conduct the same business as Lynch, even if they were part of the same faction; they wouldn''t back down when it came topetition.


    "I won''t refuse investment. In my opinion, it''s better for everyone to make money together," perhaps this statement held a different kind of allure. Soon, the atmosphere in the room was stirred up by Lynch.


    He presented some data to illustrate that this was a very profitable project. "So far, the profit from a single auction can guarantee about fifteen percent of the total turnover. After deducting some other expenses and necessary costs, the profit fluctuates around eight percent¡­"


    "If seats rted to cooperation are added for sale, there will be additional stable ie. In Sabin City, it''s about twenty thousand bucks per week¡­"


    To be honest, this was already a very attractive figure. About eight percent profit, even somerge corporate groups dared not guarantee they would be able to make this much money.


    Moreover, being able to maintain such a profit trend under the current economic situation was what interested these businessmen in front of Lynch.


    They might not necessarily be genuinely interested in this deal; what they valued was the political significance behind the auction and its ability to provide a reliable and stable cash flow during economic downturns. That was what they needed most.


    Lynch continued to promote these things with a slightly excited tone, tinged with a sense of reverence, almost resembling a pilgrimage. "Since the instructions of three stages of the auction, there hasn''t been a significant decline in the transaction amount. In fact, today''s transaction volume has even seen a slight increase. This situation tells us that its potential has not yet reached its limit."


    "I am currently actively preparing to hold auctions throughout the entire state, and in this regard, I have already received recognition from the mayor and the governor. In the fourteen cities across the state, there will be uniform prices, services, and quality in the second-hand goods trading auctions."


    "Furthermore, I''ll reveal a new small project here. I will establish a distribution center for second-hand goods trading, gradually reducing low-priced goods after each auction, increasing high-priced goods, separating low-end and high-end goods, and providing a more premium customer experience¡­"


    "ording to my current estimation, if each city''s auction proceeds smoothly, the profit per month should be over a million."


    The businessmen in the room looked at each other. They hadn''t expected such astonishing profits from a seemingly inconspicuous second-hand goods trading auction.


    Even their own estimations of profits exceeded what Lynch vaguely referred to as "over a million". He had more profit space, especially with those seats.


    They had already figured out that each seat could bring Lynch five bucks in ie, and the reason those salesmen were willing to join this seemingly extravagant feast game was that Lynch could ensure that the top three salesmen would earn over ten thousand bucks a month.


    In other words, if salespeople wanted to earn more, their enemies were their colleagues, and their colleagues were their own greed.


    If one arranged for someone to participate in the auction and, when necessary, bid for oneself, assuming the investment for the seats and auction participation amounted to nine thousand five hundred bucks, and they could secure the third position, they could still earn an additional five hundred bucks by the end of the month.


    So, they didn''t need to worry about not being able to sell these seats. Rather than calling these people Lynch''s partners, it was more urate to say they were a group of gamblers, and Lynch merely provided them with an unconventional gambling method.


    Those people wouldn''t care about how others would judge them. With a profit of over a million per month, it was more than enough to attract them, not to mention there were many additional values behind this business.


    For example, epting advertisements for some goods on flyers at the auction, promoting products through lucky draws at the auction venue, giving away experience vouchers and movie tickets¡­


    These were all ways to make a profit. As long as there were people, as long as these people had the ability to consume, capitalists would find a way to exploit them. This concept also formed the basis of "traffic" in the inte era.


    At this moment, someone asked a core question, "Mr. Lynch, how much do you think your Interster Trading Company is worth, and how much money do we need to invest to get shares of yourpany?"


    Lynch nodded slightly, his lips curled up into a smile, "Following the mainstream calction method in the current financial market, estimating the short-term value of thepany at three to five times the annual ie is a very reasonable calction method¡­" Others nodded in agreement; this was indeed how the calction was done ording to the current methods in the Baylor Federation.


    "Based on my possibly not very urate estimation at present, from the second half of the year, the profit of Interster Trading Company is about one point two million per month, making it around fourteen point four million per year."


    "Let''s take the average, and estimate thepany''s value at four times the annual profit. I believe the market value of Interster Trading Company should be over fifty million¡­"


    When Lynch said this, the people across the table suddenly realized that something wasn''t quite right. Today, Lynch''s ie was probably only about sixty thousand, yet he estimated hispany''s market value to be over fifty million.


    This didn''t quite add up. If they wanted to invest, just one percent of the shares would cost them five hundred thousand federal Thor. This¡­ seemed a bit off.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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    Chapter 139:


    "Mr. Lynch, I believe there are some issues with your statement."


    Just as Lynch finished a brief market valuation for his Interster Trading Company, stunning the others with his skilled techniques, someone raised a different opinion.


    This was amon urrence; in business, negotiation and exchange were the norm. There was no rule dictating that others couldn''t engage in a back-and-forth discussion on pricing.


    Lynch naturally wouldn''t refuse to engage in a negotiation; it definitely wasn''t the way to conduct business. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes, nodded, indicating for the other party to continue speaking.


    The gentleman with the blue tie presented a different viewpoint, "I believe valuing apany shouldn''t rely solely on its profits. Moreover, Interster Trading Company can''t reinvest all its profits to grow itself. So, I think the valuation you proposed might not be urate."


    Actually, the gentleman''s perspective was akin to earning 200 bucks a month and saving 2,400 bucks a year. It was an idealized way of valuation, but it was unlikely to ur in reality.


    Firstly, there was the fluctuation in earnings. Earnings would never be maintained within a narrow range; they would fluctuate, sometimes even dramatically. This could lead to significant disparities between actual and idealized oues.


    Moreover, business operations had only beenunched in the Sabin region so far. The earnings from other areas were uncertain. Overall, it wasn''t an easy task.


    Setting up a roadside stall might cost only 500 bucks, but if it generated 300-500 bucks in profit per month, could its short-term market value be worth tens of thousands?Without introducing entry requirements and thresholds, that was certainly impossible. So, Lynch''s statement did raise some suspicion of concept maniption.


    But, as mentioned earlier, business fascinated many because most businessmen were not only lovers of numbers but also enjoyed the thrill of outsmarting others.


    At that moment, Lynch''s head dipped as he grasped a matchbox. Swiftly selecting a match, he struck it against the box, creating a soft ''tch'' apanying the re of smoke. Two deliberate dragster, he flicked the match away, depositing it into the ashtray.


    With a smile, he lifted his head to meet the gaze of the man in the blue tie. "Why not?" He said, after taking another drag.


    Without waiting for the other''s opinion, Lynch continued, "I will invest all the money into thepany''s development and operation, making it increasinglyprehensive and expansive."


    He leaned back on the sofa, his left hand pressed against the sofa''s backrest while his right hand held a cigarette, resting on the raised knee. His demeanor exuded rxation, yet was imbued with a confident aura.


    "When our channels and coverage meet the requirements for expansion, I will transition it to be thergest distributor in the state, at the very least."


    "By then, people will have a new choice alongside supermarkets and malls, and this choice will arguably be the best."


    "Gentlemen, this isn''t just a business of second-hand goods trading. Eventually, it could infiltrate every aspect of people''s lives."


    "The appliances they use, the furniture they have, even their homes, work, and daily necessities coulde from ourpany..."


    "Gentlemen, to be honest, when I estimated 50 million bucks, it pained me. I even considered increasing the valuation several times, perhaps to deter you."


    His expression was serious, sincere. There was a hint of helplessness in his voice, "But I understand; we''re in this together, at least for now. I also understand the rules of the capital game. Mutual assistance is the only reason we can stand taller than others."


    "If you find this price too high, then I can only express regret with joy. However, if you''re willing to join this n, it might give me some headaches."


    The few exchanged nces. They found Lynch''s words somewhat exaggerated, yet not entirely unachievable. It was really a headache-inducing situation. If only it were simply true or false, things wouldn''t be soplicated.


    Lynch went on to discuss issues such as leasing second-hand goods, a more terrifying method to satisfy people''s impulsive material needs in the short term.


    His discussion, coupled with his depiction of the future, suddenly ignited the interest of those sitting opposite him.


    The more Lynch described his idealpany, the more promising it seemed to them.


    Lynch''s description was so detailed that it covered many aspects they hadn''t considered, leading them to believe that Lynch must have a more detailedprehensive n and was implementing it ordingly.


    Now he had taken the most critical step. As long as he didn''t make mistakes, the chances ofpeting with him were minimal. The reason was simple: Lynch''s businesses were part of Mayor Langdon''s "People''s Welfare Policy." Hispany could be seen as a tangible manifestation of the policy''s effectiveness and value to society.


    The better hispany performed, the more it proved Mayor Langdon''s policies were valuable and suitable for the current social environment. If hispany failed, it would suggest the policy wasn''t as appropriate.


    However, such failure would only be Lynch''s failure. If Lynch''spany went bankrupt or failed to expand ording to his n due to someone else''s interference, it wouldn''t just offend Lynch but also Mayor Langdon and all the capitalists and politicians closely rted to him.


    So even if they imitated Lynch''s initiation of this second-hand goods auction, the scale would not be likely to be significant, and they would still encounter various troubles. This would be much more troublesome than directly investing in Lynch''s business.


    Businessmen liked money, not trouble.


    "But 50 million valuation is too high. EverBright Group''s market value is just over 100 million..." a person with a green tie interjected.


    EverBright Group''s market value was approximately 170 million, making it one of the toppanies locally. Many might feel puzzled; 170 million was indeed an astounding figure, but it didn''t seem as much as imagined.


    This was also a form of changing the concept. When society needed people to understand the power of a conglomerate, they simply needed to hide the negative assets. For instance, if certain politicians needed to demonstrate notable achievements or substantial economic growth in their local area during their term, the emergence of sessfulpanies served as the ideal means to do so.


    One after another,panies with market values ranging from tens of millions to billions emerged, yet people were unaware that the majority of these enterprises were actually operating under a "negative asset management" model.


    Whenpanies required funds, banks would lend them money. However, to meet specific social, political, or even investor expectations in the stock market, these loans from banks would, in some manner, integrate into thepany''s assets or even augment its profits.


    When reporting, they would present what the public needed to see, which was what they hoped for, hiding the source of the money and the debts thepany carried.


    However, when local policymakers or societal needs aimed to diminish the influence of a particr enterprise, they would offset positive and negative assets in their assessment of market value. Subsequently, they would utilize a sum or difference as thepany''s final market value.


    Apany with assets worth ten billion might be burdened with nine billion in debt. If apany with a market value of ten billion went bankrupt, it would feel like doomsday. But if apany with a market value of one billion went bankrupt, people wouldn''t feel as devastated; they might even feel a peculiar sense of satisfaction, thinking, "I thought thispany was extraordinary."


    Simrly, "Ourpany, newly established yesterday, has a market value of ten billion already," would sound much better than, "Ourpany, just established, already owes ten billion in debt." And it would also be more effective.


    Lynch maintained his demeanor throughout. Now, he slightly smirked, "Interster Trading Company has no bad assets and won''t have any. Our profits are enough to fully support thepany''s development needs."


    "Gentlemen, I''ve already begun establishing branch offices in various cities. By the end of this year at thetest, all branches will be operational."


    "By then, the valuation you''ll be facing won''t be 50 million but 500 million, or even more!"


    It was already August, and strictly speaking, there were only three months left until the end of the year. Lynch cleverly used environmental and temporal factors to instill a sense of urgency in these people.


    In three months, the estimated valuation could potentially increase tenfold¡ªwhether or not it would actually increase was inconsequential; what mattered was the statement itself.


    The goal of investors wasn''t necessarily to grow and thrive alongside apany; they simply wanted money or other benefits that could rue to them.


    Investing in Lynch''s business now versuster was entirely different. They also believed that by the end of the year, Lynch, this young man, would have the audacity to boldly dere a valuation of five billion in front of investors.


    "We need to discuss this..."


    A person with a pink tie stated his position, and others nodded in agreement. They needed to figure out how to pressure Lynch using their external advantages or offsetting some of the mary value.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 140:

    Chapter 140:


    At this moment, the few people sitting across from Lynch in the room had reached a decision. They would invest in this business but with some changes in the approach.


    They would use a small amount of money,bined with other valuable assets to exchange for shares in this business.


    In reality, this was also the process of forming a consortium. Some businessmen withmon interests would form closer alliances with each other, eventually forming a veryplexwork of interests centered around a corepany or individual. It would ultimately evolve into a consortium that people admired greatly yet also envied and hated.


    In fact, when these people mentioned "discussing" the matter, Lynch knew that the deal was basically settled. He casually flicked his cigarette, watching as a substantial clump of ash descended to the ground, dispersing into fragments. Inevitably, some might drift beneath his foot, destined to be crushed and reduced to dust, ultimately amounting to nothing more than a mere speck.


    After taking a final drag, he stubbed out his cigarette and stood up. The others across from him also followed suit, exchanging handshakes with him before exiting the room.


    Standing outside the hotel door, Lynch reached for his cigarette once again. He bowed his head slightly, sping his hands together as the me momentarily illuminated his face before swiftly extinguishing, leaving only a faint glimmer of embers.


    From the beginning, he understood that this business wouldn''tst long.


    The peak period of second-hand goods trading often urred during the early stages of economic development and the initial stages of economic decline. During these times, there was a vigorous demand for material goods in society, but people''s economic capabilities could not satisfy their material needs. Hence, the second-hand goods market boomed like never before.


    But it wouldn''tst too long. Once people umted enough funds or no longer had disposable wealth, the second-hand goods market would begin to shrink.Currently, everyone seemed to still have plenty of money, but this situation would soon disappear. As more and more people became unemployed, when they could no longer afford even cheap second-hand goods, the market for auction profits would rapidly decrease, potentially leading to losses with its incentive system.


    However, that didn''t matter because before that happened, he would have already umted his own assets. These people were likely to lower the price of the Interster Trading Company, but Lynch wouldn''t let them seed.


    In business operations, the simplest way to prove that the actual value of amodity could exceed the price set by people was to introducepetitors who could raise the price, just like bidders at an auction.


    If there was only one person, themodity might truly be worthless. But as long as there waspetition, the actual value of themodity would quickly be revealed, and there may even be a premium.


    After finishing the cigarette outside the hotel, Lynch returned to the third floor of the hotel. The people attending the celebration were still reveling.


    Richard had already gathered a group of girls, even hiring a band and singers, all female, dressed in barely-there outfits, to entertain them.


    With fewer job opportunities in society, especially for female workers, Richard took care of them as much as possible, deeply influenced by Lynch in this regard.


    As the boss, Lynch wouldn''t stay here for too long, but he wouldn''t stay away either. He had to leave a deep impression on this group of people, even during their unrestrained revelry. He was their boss after all.


    Richard once again received today''s "champion" title. When he saw Lynch, he let go of the two girls beside him whom he was chatting with and approached Lynch with a pilgrim-like expression, bending over to pour some wine for Lynch, who was sitting on the sofa.


    Then he turned around, raised his ss, and tapped it with a spoon.


    The crisp tapping sound instantly pierced through the band''s sultry melody, also momentarily jolting the revelers into a state of sobriety.


    The band quickly stopped ying, and everyone''s attention turned to Richard. His face flushed with excitement as he felt his life was at its peak!


    He raised his head slightly, lifted the ss high, and loudly eximed, "To Lynch!"


    The young men, including the girls, raised their sses in response. Lynch, sitting in the middle of the crowd, watched with a smile. He raised his ss slightly in acknowledgment and took a sip.


    After finishing the drink, Richard threw the ss against the wall, shattering it into ss shards. "Keep ying, keep reveling!"


    His actions were effortlessly stylish, prompting many to emte him. People started tossing their sses against the wall, reveling in the satisfying crash of breaking ss. It appeared that this act evoked a feeling of exhrating freedom.


    Only then did Richard sit next to Lynch on the sofa. He shook his head and said, "Boss, do you feel like we''re in heaven?"


    Lynch took a sip from his ss, smiling sarcastically. "This ce?"


    "I have to say, Richard, your expectations are really low. In my opinion, this ce is like a cesspool in the countryside, with a bunch of maggots wriggling in the filth."


    "Our stage is not in Sabin City, this small town. We need to go to the capital, rent out the Imperial Hotel on the busiest Imperial Avenue, and then have those female stars crawling on the ground like little cats and dogs, shaking their butts for you."


    "Here?" He chuckled but didn''t say more. However, his tone and attitude conveyed to Richard that he was not impressed at all.


    Richard swallowed, imagining the scenes Lynch described. The thought of those female stars, who only appeared on the big screen and TV, behaving subserviently in front of him aroused a surge of excitement in him.


    His face quickly flushed, bing more excited. "Will you take me there, Boss?"


    Lynch nodded. "Of course, you are my most valued partner. I will take you with me."


    He wasn''t lying. Sinceing into this world, no one had been able to meet Lynch''s requirements for the position of "business manager" more than Richard.


    Richard was intelligent, that much was beyond doubt. But there were many intelligent people. The rare ones were those who were intelligent yet also with no sense of morality, justice, and shame.


    Lynch believed that if he said his shoes were dirty, Richard would immediately kneel down and use his cuffs to clean them, despite the shoes already being impably clean and capable of reflecting shadows.


    He was a shameless person, a scary one, but also a good one.


    Not far away, a figure who was incongruous with the surroundings, was calmly observing everything. His gaze was fixed on Richard and Lynch, then shifted to the somewhat uneasy Wood beside him. "Your rtionship with Lynch isn''t close enough yet. You need to do better. This is myst time joining the operation. From now on, you''re on your own."


    "Remember, don''t let money, alcohol, and women cloud your judgment. When faced with temptation, remember the responsibility on your shoulders..."


    Facing the admonition from his superior, Wood felt ashamed. What made him even more ashamed was that his superior even talked about revelry.


    "Young people nowadays are really wild. You''re a good kid, and I know your inner turmoil must be great, but this is the test that our lord has given you."


    "Go join them, don''t make yourself look different from them. Only then can youpletely blend in with them, be epted by them, and find evidence topletely destroy these people!"


    "I''m leaving now. Remember, whenever you''re confused, ask your heart what you really need, what you want to do for this world, this society!"


    The departure of the middle-aged man was unexpected to Lynch, but he didn''t react much. Some people, like Richard, would do anything for wealth, but there were also those who would adhere to their principles.


    He admired those who persevered, but he wouldn''t emte them. If happiness was attainable, why choose suffering? Was it just to prove that he was different from others?


    After having a brief chat with Richard, he also chose to leave. He was young too, but he was also their boss. Didn''t the revelry of these people decrease a level since he arrived?


    Moreover, as a superior, he must maintain his dignity in front of subordinates. The idea of ?pletely blending with the lower ranks was always nonsense spoken by those who failed and had to rely on instilling their past sessful ways of life into others.


    Real leaders never blend in with subordinates!


    The next day, Lynch registered several morepanies. Thanks to the streamlined process by the Social Services Bureau, it allowed him toplete this task in just one morning.


    In the afternoon, he continued to entrust thew firm to registerpanies for him in other cities and also went out to the streets.


    Some said that to truly feel the atmosphere of an era, the best way was to wander around the city center and slums, feeling the states and lifestyles of the wealthiest and poorest groups in society, to understand the current situation of society.


    Lynch could already feel the atmosphere that only slums could provide without even going there. At the driver''s suggestion, he gave up on going to the lower-ie areas, which had reportedly be a haven for crime. Even mounted police and patrol officers refused to enter the lower-ie areas when theycked the sufficient manpower, especially when it came to enforcingws in the slums.


    The situation was quite dire. Yet, amidst such a dire situation, Lynch had to have dinner with the mayor in the evening.


    In an elegant environment, the luxurious furnishings and decorations immediately demonstrated the role of money here. Just outside a few walls, the whole world was filled with despair, but here, even the air was sweet.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 141:

    Chapter 141:


    How to make something that may not be worth much be valuable?


    Many ordinary people, including those who just became businessmen, would use practical methods to turn such things intomodities, and then make them valuable.


    One of the mostmon methods was to increase the added value of something inherently worthless, using this added value to support its high price.


    For example, fossils embedded with gold and precious gemstones. Fossils were widespread in this world, almost everywhere. The first group of people who discovered fossils indeed sold them for a good price. However, as people realized that with just a shovel and choosing the right ce to dig, they could find fossils with a bit of luck, the price of fossils began to plummet rapidly.


    From being revered as "historical memory" to bing "pages of history," and eventually turning into "historical trash," this process didn''t take long.


    However, amidst this, there were some examples of going against the tide. Some people would choose rtively intact and aesthetically pleasing fossils, and then embed them with gemstones, gold, or other valuable ornaments along their contours.


    They made these fossils, adorned with expensive materials, shine brightly, immediately associating them with wealth. Coupled with some outrageous fake stories, these fossils were sold at high prices thanks to their added value.


    This was a method many people would choose¡ªif one wanted to sell something worthless for a price, then let the added value work its magic. Many semi-official authoritative institutions would also use added value as an example to poprize some questionable sess theories.


    But for capitalists, making something worthless valuable was as simple as inting the nonexistent conceptual value of that thing, with one condition¡ªit must be rare.Here, rarity did not strictly mean "scarce," "umon," or "unique"; it was merely a concept.


    A sessful capitalist could pick out a "rare item" from a million identical mass-produced goods. For example, a particr color variation, a minor w, or something slightly different from others could turn amodity into a rare item, and then inte its value.


    Such goods would quickly make headlines and discussions, and each appearance would be apanied by a continuous increase in value.


    If it was just amodity, an auction could be a good way to increase value. Somemodities would always be miracles at auctions, creating demand. All people needed to do was just to wait for thest foolish bidder to step in.


    The current situation was the same. The businessmen who had decided to invest in Lynch''s Interster Trading Company had already begun inting thepany value even before officially bing investors.


    Lynch gave them an evaluation of fifty million, but how could they ensure they wouldn''t lose money after investing?


    It was actually quite simple¡ªmake thepany''s value in the eyes of the public exceed five hundred million or even one billion. Then, no matter how they invested, they wouldn''t lose money; instead, they would be able to make a profit.


    This necessitated a process, yet it was a situation that many idealistic entrepreneurs were least inclined to face. The management and maniption of capital had the potential to shatter their dreams, as the allure of tinkering with numbers and concepts often overshadowed their pursuit of ideals.


    In just one day, the potential of Lynch''s Interster Trading Company and its market value assessment rose from Lynch''s baseless evaluation of fifty million to seventy million. With the uingrge-scale construction, this figure might continue to rise.


    Some people definitely understood that thispany was not worth that much. But as qualified businessmen or spectors, they didn''t mind participating in this game, just like the current financial market, not every participant was oblivious to what was happening.


    And then there were those who truly didn''t have a clue about what was going on with thispany. They might consider themselves clever, preferring to hang back until they were convinced it was the real deal with some potential before jumping in. However, by the time they made up their minds, it would often be the worst time to jump in.


    The mayor was also somewhat tempted by this. He didn''t expect Lynch''s smallpany to be valued so highly. If he had known earlier, perhaps he could have gained more profit.


    Of course, the Baylor Federation''sws did not strictly forbid politicians from engaging in any investment activities; it was just that the scrutiny system tended to be stricter for them than that for ordinary people. However, most politicians wouldn''t personally get involved; they had proxies.


    "I have a nephew who is very interested in yourpany..." The mayor chuckled. "Young people are all like this, full of enthusiasm, but do they know what challenges lie ahead?"


    It seemed like a reflection, but it was more a statement of his attitude. How could someone like Lynch, who had weathered many years of challenges, not see through it?


    He casually unfolded his napkin andid it on hisp, then said, "Do you have his contact information? Perhaps we young people can find somemonnguage." After neatly arranging his napkin, he nced up, meeting the gaze of the mayor. "Of course, we also need the wisdom and experience of our elders. After all, we are still young..."


    The two men locked eyes for a moment, about a couple of seconds, silently confirming that neither misunderstood the other. The mayor then ced a ck business card on the table and pushed it over.


    Then, the conversation abruptly shifted to other matters.


    "Have you heard any rumorstely rted to the Listoan Group?" The mayor used a very ordinary sentence as the lead for the next topic, and Lynch nodded in response.


    Recently, everyone knew about this matter. Lynch even felt that perhaps the mayor and the governor were being too direct,cking subtlety. They could have solved the current issue in a different way, but they chose not to.


    Seeing Lynch nod, the mayor''s expression changed slightly, bing somewhat helpless. He sighed. "The situation isn''t very optimistic. Neo has been in contact with people from the Conservative Party, you know..." He circled his index finger around his ear. "We have some connections."


    What he meant was that there wasmunication between the Federal Progressive Party and the Federal Conservative Party, which was quite normal. After all, the Baylor Federation was governed by three parties, although the Federal Socialist Party was often as transparent as an invisible man, they did exist.


    This kind ofmunication, or exchange, was very helpful for stabilizing the political situation of the entire federation. This wasn''t the imperial era anymore; people had emerged from the darkness of feudal rule, and they wouldn''t make the same mistakes as the past rulers.


    When Neo was in contact with the Conservative Party, it was destined that information would leak out, including the conditions the Conservative Party offered Neo to switch sides, which were already known to both the mayor and the governor.


    This was why the governor sent people to support the mayor; it wasn''t without reason.


    "To be honest, I don''t care whether Neo and the Listoan Group stay in Sabin City. I''ve never cared about these things. What I care about is how many people in this city are facing unemployment, difficulties, hunger, and so on."


    "Shameless Neo and hispany treat these people as bargaining chips in negotiations with the government. I won''tpromise for the sake of my citizens!"


    If there had been a stirring and uplifting symphony ying at this moment, apanied by some tragic notes, Mayor Langdon might have had a chance to make it to the hall of the Agustin Silver Screen Awards this year, or at least receive a nomination for Best Actor.


    "What I''m most worried about right now is what will happen if they really leave, and how to address the issue of tens of thousands facing unemployment..." He spoke, his gaze fixed on Lynch.


    When he heard at lunch today that Lynch''spany was valued at seventy million, he realized that this could be a useful bargaining chip. The value of seventy million needed to be created by people; it couldn''t juste out of nowhere, otherwise, it wouldn''t be able to withstand scrutiny from various departments and the public.


    Since it required people to create this value, then Lynch, who could provide five hundred job vacancies for the mayor when his worth was less than a million, would definitely be able to provide more job vacancies now that his worth exceeded seventy million.


    He recognized that asking for thirty-five thousand jobs might be excessive, but surely he could manage to offer at least twenty thousand, couldn''t he? And, for the sake of his cursed nephew, he might even consider reducing the demand to ten thousand jobs.


    Lynch didn''t respond immediately. It wasn''t easy to respond to those concerns. He was very good at describing a grand blueprint for others, but when the mayor asked for something concrete, it became difficult.


    A thousand people''s sries would cost two hundred thousand per month. If he hired five thousand people, it would cost one million per month just for sries. Even if hispany were valued at one hundred million, it wouldn''t be able to withstand such expenditure.


    Lynch''s silence made the mayor realize he couldn''t simply regard Lynch as just another young person. If Lynch expressed that he couldn''t do it, or if he suggested he could only provide a portion, these could all be leverage points the mayor could exploit.


    But silence made thingsplicated. He couldn''t interpret it as refusal, as Lynch didn''t explicitly state it, nor could he interpret it as agreement, as there was no nod of affirmation.


    After a few seconds of silence, he changed his approach to express his attitude. "You''re all businessmen. Perhaps you can understand better why they do this. Personally, what challenges have you faced during your entrepreneurial journey?"


    Lynch raised an eyebrow, a smile appearing on his face, quickly turning into a bright one. "Mr. Mayor, I have faced many difficulties, but you know, I am a businessman with social responsibility. Some of the difficulties I can solve, but there are some I cannot. Perhaps you can give me some constructive advice?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 142:

    Chapter 142:


    The exquisite ss goblet held a crimson wine, vibrant like blood yet enticingly sweet in aroma. Without bubbles, it resembled high-grade crystal, transparent and luxurious, belonging to the realm of opulence only essible to the upper echelons of society.


    Actually, for many people, whether a ss had bubbles or was pure and transparent wouldn''t affect their perception of whether it was used for wine or other beverages. However, this was the biggest distinction between the upper and lower sses of society.


    "I will be establishing a logisticspany in the near future, which will provide approximately seventy to a hundred job positions..."


    The mayor interrupted Lynch directly, "I think a hundred is more suitable."


    Lynch didn''t argue, merely looked at him. After a moment of silence, he nodded. "Alright, a hundred job positions. Besides that, there will be numerous opportunities avable within the club, spanning various roles for athletes and personnel across affiliated organizations, totaling around two to three hundred positions. Additionally, with the warehouse district I n to build, by the end of the year, I can provide you with at least eight hundred job positions, with more toe next year."


    The mayor shook his head. Even with what Lynch mentioned, it was far from enough. He understood one thing clearly: Lynch couldn''t bear the employment demands of a conglomerate alone; it was impossible, nor was it within his capabilities.


    In fact, he already had a moreprehensive solution. Firstly, those businessmen who had devoured EverBright''s assets could not simply take advantage without giving back. After obtaining arge number of high-quality assets at prices far below market value, essentially for free, they now needed to prove their worth to the mayor, the governor, and the entire society.


    Secondly, once Listoan Group truly left, it would leave behind a substantial amount of assets andmercial vacancies; a political turncoat would not be able to retain their interests in his city. Those benefits would be divided among others, and those who acquired these benefits would naturally assume the responsibility of supporting society.


    His current stance was just a way to extract the maximum potential from Lynch. Just like how capitalists exploited and squeezed businessmen, politicians sometimes did the same.Without a bit of pressure, who knew if these businessmen were telling the truth? Moreover, wouldn''t it be even better if some pleasant surprises emerged?


    However, eight hundred job positions did exceed the mayor''s expectations. When Lynch mentioned he could provide five hundred positions by the end of the year, he thought it might just be a figure of speech.


    For five hundred job positions, the sries alone would cost him hundreds of thousands each month, and for eight hundred job positions, the sries would start at nearly two hundred thousand at the minimum.


    ording to the gross profit margin mentioned in the Trading Report, to cover these workers'' wages, Lynch would have to sell goods worth over a million per month. The mayor found this somewhat imusible.


    Yet, this answer also satisfied the mayor. Regardless of whether Lynch gritted his teeth to provide this answer, it could at least prove one thing: he held an important position in Lynch''s mind.


    As they conversed, a knock sounded on the door. Soon, led by the restaurant manager, a waiter wheeled in a dining cart, followed by a chef.


    This wasn''t a formal banquet where dishes were served in session. Such a setup didn''t align with the dining preferences of politicians and businessmen, who preferred discussing confidential matters in private rooms without interruptions. Continuous interruptions by servants during dining ceremonies weren''t favored by these groups; they were more for those seeking to unt their wealth.


    Most of the time, if there were no specific requests, dishes wouldn''t be served one by one.


    While the waiter introduced the food on the cart, they were ced on the table for the mayor and Lynch. When it was time for the main course, the chef brought the cart to a safe position about three meters away from the table to avoid sshing oil on the guests.


    He lifted the silver te cover, and instantly, a burst of mes shot up with a sizzling sound. Beneath the te cover, there were two juicy steaks, their surface colors already undergoing some changes, but now the rate and intensity of the changes were faster and more pronounced.


    These were two steaks that had already been slightly processed; now the chef was simply making them look more upscale.


    With mes, sprays of spices, and the rich aroma of wine, the chef used spirits as fuel, so there wasn''t a greasy smell in the room; instead, there was a hint of wine fragrance.


    Finally, he ced the te cover back on, extinguishing the mes. The entire processsted about three minutes. Once finished, the chef stepped aside, bowing respectfully to both the mayor and Lynch at the dining table to show his respect for them.


    When he lifted the cover again, there were no mes, only a mist-like substance rising, filling the room with a rich fragrance.


    "Fried beef fillet..." After the chef ted the main course, the restaurant manager personally served the mayor and Lynch, and after another bow of respect from everyone, they quickly left.


    The beef fillet was sourced from the far west of the world, from a special breed called Kurluk, cultivated specifically for high-end consumption. It boasted a higher proportion of finely marbled fat than regr beef, making it the ultimate choice in beef cuts. Just a small 300-gram piece of veal loin, without any cooking, could fetch a price of around 120 bucks.


    With cooking, plus the cost of ambiance and service, the price now was almost 199.99 bucks per hundred gram.


    At first nce, this meal seemed very expensive, but in reality, Lynch only had to pay for two main courses ¨C the fried beef fillet and their red wine.


    The other dishes were essentially side dishes to the beef fillet, with some ingredientsing from the trimmings of the two fillets. In this regard, it wasn''t as expensive. Dining with the mayor in such an upscale environment, Lynch only needed to pay less than a thousand bucks. In the eyes of many, he had already gotten a great deal.


    Even if the price were increased ten times, many would still vie to foot the bill for this meal if they could sit at the table too.


    Once the unrted individuals left and the door was closed, the room regained its calm.


    "The beef fillet here is delicious; you''ll love it."


    Lynch nodded slightly. He picked up his knife and fork and cut a small piece of steak. Juices and a small amount of blood apanied the liquefied butter, providing a remarkably tender sensation upon tasting. It wasn''t as chewy as regr beef, but it didn''t feel overly soft either; it was just tender enough that a gentle bite would effortlessly cut through the meat.


    From the sauce on the outermostyer, to the marinade, to the vor of the meat itself, followed by the juices, blood, beef, and minced meat all mingling together, emanating the most primal essence of beef, Lynch couldn''t help raising an eyebrow. "Very delicious indeed."


    The mayor smiled, feeling a simple joy at Lynch''s approval. Sharing something good with a friend, and having the friend enjoy it too, was enough to make many people content.


    After eating a bit, their eating pace slowed down. Lynch manipted his knife and fork precisely, cutting the food quickly. Then he said something that caught the mayor off guard.


    "In fact, I can offer more job positions. I n to acquire some factories, but there are still two important problems to solve..." Lynch wiped a piece of beef he had cut through the sauce before putting it into his mouth, savoring the evolving vors.


    He scooped up a spoonful of country-style thick soup. Its rich vor provided him with a moreplex andyered taste experience.


    The country-style soup was also delicious. Calling it country-style soup wasn''t meant to belittle people from the countryside; instead, it reflected the charm and content of the dish.


    Simple ingredients like white mushrooms, celery, potatoes, corn kernels, beef, and chicken, after being lightly fried, were stewed together with milk, flour, cream, and butter. Once thickened, it was baked in the oven for a while.


    When served, the soup had a noticeableyer of crispy skin on the surface. Once pierced, the aroma would waft out, enough to make anyone swoon. It was said that the method of making this country-style soup originated from the rural tradition of stewing various ingredients together.


    Whether this was true was hard to say, but coupled with the promotion on the menu and the story described by the waiter, most people believed it.


    Running a restaurant nowadays was difficult. It required not only chefs who could prepare beautiful dishes but also storytellers who could embellish those dishes.


    As Lynch enjoyed his sumptuous dinner, sitting across from him, the mayor suddenly paused with his knife and fork, frowning as he looked at Lynch, who seemed carefree and content. Suddenly, he felt a bit puzzled by this young man.


    Before this, although Lynch had performed remarkably, he felt he could still somewhat guess Lynch''s thoughts. But now, he felt he might have underestimated Lynch.


    Everyone knew that engaging in tangible industries now meant swift death. Even major capitals were avoiding continuous investment in physical industries, focusing more on financial investments.


    In such a situation, Lynch suddenly mentioned he wanted to acquire factories... It sounded a bit absurd, didn''t it?


    But he was a young man capable of miracles. The mayor also realized that Lynch was waiting for him regarding those two problems.


    This made the delicious food in front of him suddenly less appealing. Frowning for a while, he resumed cutting the beef and casually asked, "If you have troubles, why not speak about them? Perhaps I can provide some solutions."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 143:

    Chapter 143:


    "The first trouble is that I n to engage in import-export business, but I don''t have the permission for it..."


    Given the istionist policies of the Conservative Party and the fear during wartime, they believed that exporting goods to a country involved in war or importing goods from such a country would drag the mes of war onto themselves.


    This kind of thinking was actually amon sentiment among the majority of the people in the Baylor Federation at the outbreak of the world war. This included the inability of the Progressive Party to reach a consensus on this issue internally, leading to the Conservative Party easily winning the election without much difficulty.


    It was precisely this istionist policy that, even today, after theplete cessation of the world war, the Federation''s international trade had not fully recovered. Only limited, unavoidable trades were being conducted.


    For instance, some goods were exchanged from other countries in return for materials that the Federation couldn''t produce or that were not avable locally. Besides this unavoidable foreign trade policy, it was difficult for ordinary individuals orpanies to engage inrge-scale international trade.


    Here, it was necessary to mention a special office within the government led by Conservative Party''s cab, the International Trade Approval Office. This office was subordinate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the Ministry of Defense also had ovepping management rights, indicating how high the vignce was domestically regarding foreign trade.


    Every year, what goods could be exported and imported was determined by this office.


    For individuals like Lynch who wanted to engage in export business, there was essentially no point in considering it in the short term. It was simply unattainable to the point where he wouldn''t even have the chance to demonstrate his capabilities.


    The mayor''s brow furrowed slowly, then tightened, causing wrinkles to form in the center of his forehead. His eyebrows arched slightly, giving off an aura of authority rather than anger.In fact, most of this feeling stemmed from his title, the Mayor of Sabin City.


    If the person furrowing their brows were a vagabond, he might not be met with reverent gazes, but rather with cursing and possibly a shoe sole smeared with thick spit.


    "I''ll need to look into it, but I''m not optimistic. Unless there''s a shift in international policy in the near future, the odds don''t look good."


    He quickly gave a response. In fact, many people had expressed interest in engaging in international trade up to this point. Nevertheless, with the world war having just ended, nobody knew if an unexpected border incident would reignite the conflict worldwide again.


    So, it would still require some time of observation. However, the Mayor didn''t tell the truth; within the upper echelons of the Progressive Party, it had already been concluded that the world war was basically over.


    It wasn''t that everyone suddenly became civilized; rather, most of the countries involved in the war had exhausted their resources. They no longer had the capability to continue fighting, unless they truly wanted to bring about the demise of their nations.


    Considering the current global situation, war was essentially a test of a nation''s overall strength. If that strength was depleted, to the point where they couldn''t even afford to produce bullets, what was the point of continuing the fight?


    However, the Conservative Party, which built its sess on istionist policies and achieved certain results, didn''t think so. Perhaps they shared the same view as the Progressive Party, but benefited from the peace brought by the istionist policy, as well as the political gains it yielded, they were not willing to abandon this policy until they had fully capitalized on its political potential. Hence, it would still continue for some time.


    As for internally, it had actually loosened up already, but this loosening wouldn''t be made known to ordinary people. Despite the conservative president constantly criticizing the Progressive Party on television for some "facies," and Progressive Party leaders calling the conservative president a pig, the two parties actually shared some consensus at a certain level.


    Oh right, there was also the Federation Socialist Party, but it didn''t matter. They were used to being forgotten by people. Sometimes, even newspapers only mentioned "both parties" instead of "all three parties."


    If the Mayor genuinely wished to assist Lynch, it might have been feasible. However, considering that aiding Lynch in this matter wouldn''t yield much benefit for him through his connections, he deemed it an unfavorable arrangement.


    Sometimes politics could be a real headache, but at other times, it was quite simple¡ªso simple that it was merely a matter ofparing the benefits.


    Lynch wasn''t too surprised by this response. He continued to maintain his elegant demeanor as he sliced through his steak, and said in a casual tone, "If I were granted freedom to trade, I could resolve the employment issues left behind after the departure of the Listoan Group for you."


    He ced a piece of tender and juicy beef into his mouth. As he closed his lips and chewed, the juices sttered, creating a delightful sensation. "Perhaps even more," he continued, "we can push the unemployment rate down. I believe that given the current situation, people are more willing to work, wouldn''t you agree?"


    That was obvious. If there were suitable... or even unsuitable but paying jobs, everyone was willing to work, regardless of how exhausting or dirty the tasks might be..


    At least with a job, there was ie, which could help sustain livelihoods. But if even that ie disappeared, the wealth umted over the past decade, several decades, or even generations would evaporate in an instant.


    It was cruel, but kindness couldn''t save the world.


    "Is the profit from import-export business really that significant?" The mayor was somewhat taken aback. If international trade could yield such significant profits, it might serve as a pivotal strategy for the Progressive Party to decisively defeat the Conservative Party. All it would require was the implementation of an open-trade policy, which sounded almost too straightforward.


    Lynch smiled, his expression sending a chill down the mayor''s spine. Despite being only twenty years old, the smile of the young man sitting across the table echoed those of prominent politicians and influential capitalists he had encountered before. It exuded a contemptuous air, as if he possessed an intimate understanding of both human nature and the world.


    In the past, this kind of smile would only appear on the faces of older individuals. But now, it actually appeared on the face of a young man who was almost the same age as his son.


    Lynch set down his knife and fork, picking up a napkin to dab at the sauce on his lips. The smile on his face hadn''t faded since the outset; if anything, it had only grown more pronounced with each passing moment.


    He ced both hands on the two corners of the table, slightly leaning back, straightening his upper body. He was about the same height as the mayor, perhaps a bit taller, but his current posture seemed to impose a surprising sense of authority over the mayor.


    "This rtes to the second trouble I''m facing. Interested in hearing about it?"


    Quietly, the mayor also set down his knife and fork. He reached for his wine ss, intending to ease the sudden unease with a sip. However, upon seeing the vivid red liquid resembling blood, he withdrew his hand and nodded, "Perhaps I might be interested."


    "I n to change the current employment model, no longer adhering to standards like minimum working hours, but shifting employment more towards cooperation..." Lynch''s words caused the mayor''s brows to furrow tightly once again.


    The Minimum Wage Law had been in effect for many years, with revisions made annually based on the price level and publicly announced to the entire society. All employers, whether factory owners or business owners, mustply with thisw.


    Each worker must work a minimum of sixty hours per week but not exceed seventy-two hours. If the working hours arranged by the factory or employer were less than sixty hours, wages should be paid ording to the hourly wage stipted in thebor contract for effective working hours, and ording to the minimum hourly wage for other hours.


    This meant that if a factory hired a worker but didn''t let them work, they still had to pay them ording to the minimum wagew every month.


    If it exceeded seventy-two hours, the wages would be paid based on overtime hourly rate. Currently, the minimum standard for overtime hourly rate in the Baylor Federation was one hundred twenty percent of the regr hourly rate, which was the lowest standard.


    Overall, this greatly safeguarded the legitimate interests of the workers. When this bill was announced to have passed in the congress, all the working ss and the lower-middle ss were jubnt about it. Some even held newspapers and went straight to their factory owners, employers, and read the news to those detestable capitalists right in front of them.


    People all said that thisw protected the working ss, but in reality, it also protected the capitalists. Of course, that was another matter.


    Since the establishment of thisw, many had demonstrated that it was an untouchable bottom line through hefty fines and bankruptcies. In the Baylor Federation''s judicial system, there existed guidance on punitive sentencing/penalty standards.


    When the court deemed it necessary to give someone a heavy punishment to make them and society realize that certain mistakes should not be made, these standards would be used. For example, a fine that was originally ten thousand bucks might suddenly be a million.


    Simrly, a sentence that was originally one year might suddenly increase to five or ten years. The purpose of doing this was to punish and set an example.


    Lynch''s words made the mayor feel nervous all of a sudden. It could trigger a series of events, turning workers'' protests into mass demonstrations, which could eventually lead to riots.


    Although people from the lower strata of society were sometimes genuinely unfortunate, more often than not, they would engage in actions that would provoke anger. For instance, they would tend to attribute their misfortunes to societal unfairness and others'' unfriendliness, rather than introspecting for personal shorings.


    Lynch would trigger this characteristic in them, leading them to believe that their unemployment was due to the inaction or even persecution by capitalists or politicians, sparking yet another controversy.


    Before Lynch could finish, the mayor interrupted him. "Your idea is very dangerous, Lynch. One wrong move, it could lead to a big mistake. At that time, even if I''m willing to help you, I won''t be able to save you."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 144:

    Chapter 144:


    Double standards always existed. Since the feudal era, people were keenly aware of the benefits of double standards, especially for rulers.


    Lynch currentlycked the influence to apply double standards. From the mayor''s perspective, he remained rtively insignificant. Even if he could expand his business as he imed, he didn''t possess enough sway to utilize double standards effectively.


    Things like the Minimum Wage Law, the Employment Act, and the Worker Rights Protection Act were not easily changed, even by the most powerful capitalists. It was not that theycked the ability, but the cost and consequences of changing these things were too severe.


    The fact that young Lynch wanted to change things a bit made the mayor''s furrowed brows suddenly rx, and even a smile appeared on his face. After all, he was still a young man.


    He fundamentally didn''t understand this world. He didn''t realize that facing this seemingly simple world required a sense of awe.


    But this kind of enthusiasm was touching. It reminded the mayor of his own graduation days when he thought about changing the world. But looking at himself now, in his forties, he was still just a mayor.


    Perhaps he could eventually be a governor, but that was still far from his "arrogant" dreams when he was still young.


    Everyone had such moments, but reality would teach them how to properly face the world.


    With these thoughts, and perhaps prompted by some sentimentality, the mayor raised his ss and took a sip. The process of aerating the wine had actually begun before they even arrived at the restaurant. The dry ice in the ice bucket ensured the wine was at the optimal temperature for drinking, and the ample contact between the wine and the air made its bitterness fade, almost imperceptible.It was a good wine, the mayor mused, raising an eyebrow as he set down his ss. As he gazed at the fresh red wine in the ss, he found it less repulsive than before.


    The rapid urrence of so many psychological changes in such a short time was quite intriguing andplex. However, he didn''t want to dwell on it too much; instead, he preferred to shift his attention elsewhere.


    "Speaking of which, I have an idea. Would you like to hear it?" The innate desire to mentor others was always present within people. However, the true essence of mentoringy in bolstering one''s own sense of greatness by imparting knowledge and experience to others.


    It was instinctive, but the results it brought were not bad, so it was a good thing.


    Seeing Lynch nod slightly, the mayor continued, "I suggest you donate some money to a university and then go back to school..." He paused and then exined, "What I mean is, you need some connections of your own. That''s my advice to you."


    "There are nine top private universities in the federation, all funded and established by a private institution called the Society of the Sacred Harmony. If you can be a student at these nine universities, you will have ess to the top resources in the federation."


    "If you can be a candidate member of the Society of the Sacred Harmony or even a formal member..." The mayor smiled, with an undertone behind it that was somewhat indescribable. "Then congrattions. You will join the ranks of alumni alongside the majority of federation governors, top officials from the three parties, the President, cab members, and even lifelong Supreme Court justices. These are all individuals with the power to influence the direction of our society, and they are also members of the Society of the Sacred Harmony."


    The mayor''s sentiment may stem from his reflection on Lynch''s youthful vigor¡ªa quality he himself once possessed. However, over time and through the pressures of reality, he had be more pragmatic, his edges dulled by the passage of time and the demands of the present.


    So he wanted to give Lynch some life advice. If he had been willing to bow his head and choose a school affiliated with the Society of the Sacred Harmony when he was young, maybe he would be a governor by now.


    The governor of the state where Sabin City was in was not much older than him, but the other person was already a governor and upied a very important position within the party. It was all because he and the leader of the Progressive Party, as well as the higher-ups, were all from the Society of the Sacred Harmony.


    This was a fast track to promotion. People were willing to give the governor opportunities because they were alumni and members of the society, but they were not willing to give the mayor opportunities because he didn''t have the badges of the nine major universities.


    Lynch nodded in agreement, keeping this in mind. The conversation that followed became much lighter. Lynch no longer discussed his two big troubles, and the mayor didn''t continue his annoying mentorship. They began to talk about trendy things, things rted to life.


    "I heard your friend is nning to shoot a movie in Sabin City. Let them contact the Social Services Bureau. The bureau will coordinate some work to make the shooting smoother," the mayor mentioned what Mr. Fox and his son were currently doing.


    They somehow got hold of a script and thought it was good. And since they now had some money in hand, they decided to turn the script into a movie.


    In fact, whether it was ordinary people or those who had already realized their self-worth, everyone experienced impulsive desires for money. It was as if money were hot potatoes, leaving it sitting in the bank would make them feel ufortable. Only by spending money could people feel satisfied.


    Especially at the moment of spending, that kind of joy simply couldn''t be described in words.


    Lynch hadn''t heard about this, but it didn''t stop him from engaging with the mayor. "I heard that every ce offers subsidies for filming?"


    This was amon practice. In the Baylor Federation, movie production primarily took ce in two major studios. The supporting infrastructure in these studios was exemry, with numerous movie sets conveniently constructed, facilitating scenic shooting.


    Moreover, the presence of local subsidy policies was a significant draw. Filming in these studios not only provided ess to more subsidies but also offered tax exemptions, making it the primary incentive for attracting movie workers.


    But that didn''t mean other cities would give up their efforts in this regard, especially the leaders in the city halls. A movie could attract more visitors than people could imagine and greatly help improve the overall cultural environment of a city. So every city still retained its subsidy policy.


    The mayor pursed his lips. "Sometimes I feel like you''re not twenty-year-old at all. Your friend is not as smart as you."


    He was referring to the fact that Fox and his son hadn''t thought of contacting the Social Services Bureau yet. If they did, not only would the government help coordinate some work, but they could also help them apply for subsidies.


    It was truly astonishing that a young person, who had just stepped out of school for only two years, was aware of policies that even a middle-aged individual, with over twenty years of experience in society, remained ignorant of.


    The mayor adjusted the napkin on the table before speaking. "You know, the current societal situation isn''t favorable. City hall''s finances are tight, so the maximum subsidy we can offer is one hundred thousand. However, we can waive usage fees for all public facilities, and if road closures are necessary, we''re open to negotiation."


    The money was not much, but what was important was the mayor''s attitude.


    When filming a movie, there was often a need to close roads or vacate buildings. A famous filming crew once sought to capture a scene involving a highway chase, multiple collisions, and a massive explosion. However, citing concerns for public safety, the local government not only denied them ess to the city''s ring road but also insisted on a safety reassessment of their script.


    Consequently, the crew had to resort to using abandoned, remote countryside areas and refurbishing an existing derelict road to film these sequences.


    The cost was secondary; the main issue was the prolonged dy in the movie''s release.


    With that, the mayor cleared his throat discreetly and said, "My little daughter loves watching movies. She was very excited when she heard that someone was going to shoot a movie locally. Do you think she can go to the scene to take a look or even cameo in one of the roles?"


    "Why not?"


    At a single dinner, numerous problems were ovee, with only two remaining unresolved. Nevertheless, the mayor considered the evening invaluable, as it not only deepened his connection with Lynch but also created a thousand new job opportunities.


    Yes, the figure increased from eight hundred to a thousand in the end. However, Lynch didn''t object. Both he and the mayor understood that such promises were merely words. If he had the capability to fulfill them, he would, but if not, it wouldn''t make much difference.


    Yet, whether it was Lynch or the mayor, they refrained from discussing Lynch''s two significant troubles again. However, neither of them forgot about them. Perhaps, at some point in the future, they would be brought up again.


    After dinner, instead of heading home directly, Lynch had the driver take him to Mr. Fox''s current residence out of curiosity.


    As soon as he entered Mr. Fox''s house, he immediately sensed an artistic ambiance permeating the space. A group of individuals, unmistakably cultured, huddled around a table, engrossed in discussions about the nuances of script, with Fox Junior actively participating.


    Lynch''s arrival made everyone pause for a moment, but they soon focused back on their work.


    Led by a servant to the second-floor terrace, Lynch met with Mr. Fox, who was ying cards with a few old gentlemen of simr age. Despite having only a few chips in front of him, he appeared very happy.


    "Just a moment, it''ll be over soon..." Mr. Fox nodded to greet Lynch, and the card game concluded swiftly. The old gentlemen nced curiously at Lynch, then quickly settled their chips with Mr. Fox before bidding farewell and departing with smiles.


    Watching these people leave, Mr. Fox breathed a contented sigh. Feeling a bit sentimental, he leaned against the railing at the edge of the terrace and tapped the handrail with both hands, remarking, "this is what life is all about."


    He then turned to look at Lynch. "Did you see through it?"


    Lynch nodded. "Of course, we all know Mr. Fox is a sly old fox, especially when ites to money matters. But this kind of game is also entertaining, at least it''s harmless."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 145:

    Chapter 145:


    When Lynch arrived, what he noticed from the card game was that Mr. Fox actually tried to pass time by deliberately "losing" in the game. In essence, Mr. Fox was using this tactic to gather a group of ordinary old men around him by losing money.


    Some people might think this was actually a manifestation of loneliness and would consider Mr. Fox a pitiful old man with no friends.


    But from another perspective, at least he still had money...


    Lynch saw through it at a nce. After all, for someone who dealt with money all day and wasn''t exactly a saint, losing so much that he had barely any chips left in front of him wasn''t a normal urrence.


    But he didn''t think Mr. Fox was pitiful. Maybe in Mr. Fox''s heart, those who yed with him and took advantage of him were the pitiful ones. At least he wouldn''t sacrifice the most precious time of his life for a tiny amount of money.


    People often say that money can''t buy happiness, but Lynch felt that Mr. Fox had been quite happy just now. That kind of happiness where he sat behind the scenes, letting those old men think they had found a "fool" while actually bing one, was something others wouldn''t understand.


    As they settled into the rattan chairs, the pair engaged in lively conversation and sharedughter on the terrace. Unlike genuine leather or fabric sofas, which would sumb to the elements within six months due to exposure to wind, sun, and asional harsh weather, the rattan chairs boasted greater durability. Their enduring charm and cultural appeal made them the perfect fit for this setting.


    Basically, people were like that. Once basic financial needs were satisfied, they would tend to pursue spiritual fulfillment. Pursuing cultural satisfaction was a more suitable approach for the masses.


    "I heard that you''ve found a script," Lynch said, taking a sip of the coffee the servant had brought. In truth, many young people like him preferred drinking juice because of its sweet and tangy vor.But the real Lynch wasn''t a young man anymore; he had passed the age of enjoying sweet and tangy vors. Such tastes couldn''t appeal to him anymore. Instead, he found himself drawn to bitter yet with a hint of sweet vors.


    Mr. Fox nodded, "You know, my foolish son was a university student..." he said, deriding Fox Junior, yet the pride evident on his face revealed his true sentiments. "One of his old ssmates got in touch with him and handed him this script. He found it pretty interesting, so he figured, why not give it a shot?"


    Lynch could understand the feeling of being a father. In reality, every father hoped that their child would have a bright future, even if they happen to be the leader of a criminal family.


    He nodded. "I mentioned this matter to the mayor over dinner tonight, and he agreed to provide us with a financial subsidy. I can''t guarantee the exact amount, but I asked for as much as possible."


    "Also, you can apply for assistance from the Social Services Bureau. They will arrange dedicated staff to assist with your filming work."


    Mr. Fox was taken aback for a moment, then thanked Lynch, "You are a good person, Lynch!"


    "We are friends, and friends should help each other, don''t you think?"


    Mr. Fox answered without any hesitation, "You''re absolutely right, Lynch, my friend!"


    Perhaps it was Lynch''s arrival that distracted Young Fox, or maybe he wanted to seek validation and approval from Lynch. Shortly thereafter, he came to the terrace on the second floor, holding the script, and handed it to Lynch. "Would you like to take a look at the script? If everything goes well, this will be our first movie."


    Mr. Fox and his son had established apany called "Fox Studio," in which Lynch also invested some money, holding thirty percent of the shares.


    Initially, he had nned to take only ten percent of the shares. However, Mr. Fox and his son were extremely enthusiastic and insisted on giving him thirty percent. Because of this, Lynch had to fork out an additional three hundred thousand (which hadn''t been transferred yet, but would eventually be).


    This scheming father and son duo!


    Given his responsible attitude towards his money, he looked at it very seriously. Thanks to his past experiences and expertise, he also had some connection to this fast-money-making business.


    As Lynch continued reading, his eyebrows began to raise. The script unfolded as a very typical road thriller romance movie, perhaps a bit clich¨¦, but it fit squarely within the realm ofmon mainstream movies.


    Before faster transportation options became avable, people frequently opted to travel between cities by car. One reason was the lower costpared to train travel, and the greater sense of freedom it provided. After all, it was widely recognized that freedom was a fundamental principle enshrined in the constitution, and the spirit of freedom was deeply ingrained in the hearts of citizens across the federation.


    People enjoyed the allure and poetry of driving along the highway, particrly as the sun set over the crimson horizon of the desert. That was why road movies had always been popr, with their low production costs being one of the contributing factors.


    However, this script... Lynch wasn''t optimistic about it. The story followed a woman whose car broke down, prompting her to hitchhike and inadvertently end up in a car with a psychopathic killer. What unfolded was even more bewildering: despite enduring trauma and torture, she inexplicably fell in love with him, leading to a perplexing redemption where the killer returned to normalcy and willingly turned himself in. To top it off, she even bore a child for the psychopathic killer.


    The thrilling aspect wasn''t in the story, but in the screenwriter''s mind. After setting down the script, Lynch attempted to find more moderate words to describe it by incorporating some bodynguage, but he failed.


    "I don''t know how to describe it..."


    Perhaps misunderstood Lynch''s words, Fox Junior said, "Were you also impressed by it?"


    Lynch nced at Mr. Fox, who seemed to be watching him attentively, seeking some valuable feedback. He frowned, "Maybe I don''t understand the deeper meaning of this script, but I know it''s not a script I like. I wouldn''t spend money to buy tickets to go to the cinema for it."


    There was a hint of disbelief on Fox Junior''s face, "It''s a very excellent script. There are a lot of allegories in it. Haven''t you noticed it''s actually rted to some religious stories?"


    Next, Fox Junior began to exin to Lynch what a certain part of the script represented, what metaphors were behind it, and what else it alluded to. Through his description and interpretation, some deeper aspects of the script were revealed.


    Actually, this script, like its author,cked someone who could clearly interpret it, which meant many interesting and deeper contents hadn''t been discovered by people.


    However, Lynch wasn''t very interested in this. "Entertainment pursues happiness, not contemtion. That''s what philosophy is for."


    "Audiences won''t spend a few bucks and sit in a cinema for one or two hours to think about why this is happening or what that means. They just want happiness. And unfortunately, I didn''t find even a bit of happiness in what you presented."


    "Saying this might upset you, but I have to speak my mind because I also have to take responsibility for my money."


    Mr. Fox kept a smile on his face. He didn''t understand movies much, but he knew what interested people and what didn''t. He didn''t think it was a good story either, but these university kids thought it was great.


    As a father, he was definitely inadequate, so he hoped to make up for some of what Fox Juniorcked in some way. He didn''t say it was bad, but remained silent.


    If old Mr. Fox tried to stop Fox Junior from filming this script, it might not be very effective. But Lynch was different. From some angles, Fox Junior admired Lynch even more than he respected Mr. Fox. At least, they both became sessful with Lynch''s help, which was just a small step in Lynch''s n.


    "Is it really that bad?" Fox Junior began to emerge from his enthusiasm and faintly felt that maybe it really was... not good?


    "Take it out and let people on the street who have nothing to do with this matter have a look. They''ll tell you the most genuine opinion."


    Fox Junior left feeling a bit down, but Mr. Fox asked, "Do you have any good suggestions?"


    This question left Lynch a bit puzzled. "Which aspect are you referring to?"


    "The script, the story of the movie." Mr. Fox continued, "Actually, he has already rented all the equipment needed for filming. These things are not cheap, and the rentalpany said even if we don''t use them, they won''t issue refunds..."


    During times of economic downturn, getting a refund waspletely out of the question. Some might argue that it was just a few hundred thousand bucks, so what if it couldn''t be refunded? With Mr. Fox and his son''s sessful business ventures, would they even concern themselves with such amounts?


    Perhaps that was the case when the economy was good, but now the situation was different.


    Moreover, these things weren''t sold to them. It wasn''t the case that even if they couldn''t get a refund, they could still keep them. These were all rented, and once the time limit specified in the contract expired, they would have to return them to the rentalpany, leaving nothing behind.


    Originally, Mr. Fox intended for Fox Junior to face a setback. He always believed that society was straightforward, and even felt that they could seed regardless of whether they followed their current path.


    If Lynch didn''t know about this, everything would proceed ording to Mr. Fox''s n. They would finish filming, then the movie would fail at the box office. Fox Junior would realize theplexity of society and the correctness of Mr. Fox''s experience, which would have a positive impact on the rtionship between them.


    But now, not only did Lynch know, the mayor also knew. So, if this matter continued to be done ording to his initial n, not only would Fox Junior suffer losses, but he himself might suffer as well.


    People would witness the birth of a big joke, which was not part of Mr. Fox''s cunning n; he had to salvage the situation.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 146:

    Chapter 146:


    When James received Cook''s call, he was still tutoring his children with their homework. Among the truck drivers working for Lynch, James was one of the few with "higher education." Of course, this higher education didn''t mean he had attended university or anything; rather, he hadpleted high school and spent a year at a vocational school.


    This kind of vocational school wasn''t the type set up in factories to scam educational subsidies, but a legitimate one where people learned truck driving and basic truck maintenance.


    In fact, Cook and the other truck drivers all acquired their car repair skills from James. So while he might not have been the most prominent figure in the group, he was a vital core to the small collective.


    Sometimes when people had issues, they''d also consult him because he had the highest education level.


    James''s home didn''t have a telephone. Installing one wouldn''t cost much, but the problem was, that having a phone installed wouldn''t serve much practical value.


    No one would be calling him all day, nor did he need to call others all day; so, most ordinary households didn''t have phones. But they had a "telephone" ¡ª public phones.


    In Sabin City, a public phone booth could be found approximately every hundred meters. When individuals needed to provide a home phone number, they would typically give the number of the nearest phone booth to their homes. Consequently, when the phone in the booth rang, someone on the street would promptly answer, and then...


    "James, it''s your call!" A scream akin to encountering a dreadful horror came from outside the window, resulting in an extra dash in James''s child''s workbook that shouldn''t have been there.


    James straightened up and walked to the window, looking at the neighbor standing outside the phone booth, holding the phone and looking at him. "It''s for you, James." His voice lowered slightly."I''m not deaf!" he grumbled, though his tone carried more of a sense of gratitude thanint.


    This was the neighborhood of ordinary people and the life of ordinary people. They rarely expressed gratitude in a formal manner; sometimes, they might even have resorted to gestures like a nod or a raised middle finger instead of saying thank you. Yet, they understood better than the seemingly virtuous but actually morally corrupt upper-ss society what it truly meant to be grateful and how to show appreciation.


    When he appeared on the street, he already had a thin pancake wrapped in a sheet of newspaper in his hand, possibly stained with ink. Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly a delicious treat, if one didn''t mind such minor details.


    The neighbor took the pancake and bumped shoulders with him, casually handing him the phone before wandering off, nibbling on the pancake as he strolled leisurely.


    Many men living in the area had lost their jobs recently. Besides wandering the streets all day, they didn''t know what to do. If they stayed home, their women would berate them for beingzy, telling them to go out and find a job. It was truly baffling why these women would conveniently forget about issues like equality at a time like this.


    After James took the call and nodded a few times, he hung up the phone. It was Cook on the other end, asking him to go somewhere immediately. Silently, he noted the address given.


    Most drivers, whether they were car drivers or truck drivers, possessed a remarkable ability. They could quickly locate a ce in their minds based on detailed address information, even "visualizing" the surrounding scenery of the location.


    He stood downstairs, exchanged a few words with his family, then hurriedly left.


    With Lynch paying him, his life was no longer as tough as it had been recently, and the rtionship between him and his wife had be much more harmonious.


    At about nine o''clock in the evening, James arrived in front of a luxurious vi. Its grandeur stirred a nervous sensation within him, causing his palms to grow mmy.


    He had originally intended to wait for the sweat on his palms to dry before going in, but to his surprise, Cook came out to meet him, so he had to wipe the sweat off on his pants.


    "Is there something urgent that you want me toe at this hour?" James asked softly as they entered the vi.


    Cook''s expression was somewhat strange when he responded to James'' question. "Wasn''t it your dream to be a screenwriter? Well, now''s your chance."


    In truth, he doubted James would be able to gain the favor of these influential figures. Yet, this didn''t stop him from feeling a blend of envy and jealousy, knowing that James''s sess would inevitably set him apart from them.


    Actually, Cook was overthinking it. Even if James became a screenwriter, he wouldn''t be that significant, considering that screenwriters were the least valued.


    Yes, the least valuable.


    If directors raised their voices, capitalists would likelypromise. The same goes for actors, behind-the-scenes staff, and even movie critics, who had nothing to do with the actual filmmaking. Yet, when screenwriters protested, capitalists would swiftly point to the door and tell them, "Get out of my sight immediately!"


    Anyway, even though he had doubts, he couldn''t shake a tinge of envy and jealousy. He didn''t wish sess upon James, nor did he believe it was possible.


    However, as a true friend, he couldn''t help but hold onto a glimmer of hope for James'' sess, despite his conflicting emotions.


    He briefly exined the situation, but instead of easing James'' nerves, it seemed to make him even more anxious.


    James understood that this was a chance to change his life, and he was determined not to give up, nor did he want to.


    With his mind in turmoil, he appeared in the vi''s living room with Cook''s apaniment. In the living room at the moment, besides Lynch, his young boss, there were also two very wealthy-looking bosses and some stylishly dressed young people.


    They might not be very wealthy, but there was a certain haughtiness in their faces, a look James had seen on some university students'' faces. It was a mixture of pride in themselves and disdain for the world. After all, in this era, those who could afford to go to university weren''t from the lowest strata of society.


    Noticing his nervous demeanor, Lynch poured him a ss of wine personally and gestured for Cook to deliver it to him. "Don''t be nervous. We''ve invited you here simply to have a chat. But first, take a look at this script and tell us what you think."


    Cook handed James the script along with the ss of wine. After a few sips, James visibly rxed, his nervousness easing a bit.


    Actually, it wasn''t the wine that made the difference, but rather a psychological suggestion at y. It was he himself who managed to calm his nerves, and it had nothing to do with alcohol. Interestingly, aparable psychological phenomenon was also present in the current federation''s society.


    He read the script carefully. After about ten minutes, he closed it and sighed heavily. "It''s an excellent script. The author must have referenced some mythological or religious stories while writing it. It''s filled with various metaphors."


    Fox Junior and his former ssmates beside him initially wore smiles, but what James said next immediately caused those smiles to fade.


    "This kind of script might win awards, but audiences won''t like it. Audiences want rxation and joy..."


    He plucked up the courage to voice his inner thoughts. Despite managing to sell a few scripts to movie studios and directors'' associations over the past two years, the reality was that initially, nobody wanted his scripts.


    Like the author of this script, he initially sought to showcase his artistic talent. However, faced with repeated rejections, he eventually turned to popr movies, abandoning certain artistic ideals. It was through this shift that he began to find some measure of sess.


    Sessfully selling his scripts made him one of the backups for moviepanies or director unions, so he was qualified to evaluate this script.


    Lynch nodded in satisfaction. "So, do you think the story could be made more appealing?"


    James had rxed a lot by now, and what Lynch asked happened to be one of the things he was best at, so he wasn''t that nervous. "Trim down theplicated plot, make the story simpler, add some trendy elements like aliens, spaceships, highway killings, ketchup, and actresses not wearing clothes..."


    "Adult-rated?" One of the script''s creators scoffed. He didn''t borate further, but his remark, apanied by a sneer, appeared to deride James, suggesting he had only that much capability in the end.


    Relying on sensory stimtion to catch the audience''s attention was the lowest method, a choice they wouldn''t make.


    Facing these young people, who were probably university students, James seemed to perform better than Lynch had imagined. He didn''t retort in embarrassment or swear. Instead, he lifted the script in his hand with a tone of amusement. "This is an adult-rated script too."


    Those who wereughing at him immediately fell silent, their faces not looking good. The investors directly rejected their script, and their peers looked down on them, which made them a bit angry.


    One of them stepped forward, snatched the script from James''s hand, looked at Lynch and Mr. Fox with a disdainful smile that seemed to say, "You''ll realize how utterly foolish your choices were in the future," then bid farewell and left.


    Others also got up to say goodbye. Since they couldn''t secure investment from Fox''s side, they didn''t need to waste time here.


    Fox Junior felt a bit embarrassed. Actually, by now, he already realised that these ssmates and alumni were here to seek investment, or rather, to swindle money. This made him embarrassed because he had questioned Mr. Fox''s judgment before.


    Lynch didn''t care about these. He just looked at James with a sense of yfulness. "How long do you need if you were to write this script?"


    James''s heart began to race. He vaguely realized that he was about to have a chance to seed, a brand new life he had longed for was currently facing him.


    After careful consideration, he gave a suitable time ¡ª three days.


    The three who decided to look at James''s script before making a decision let Cook and James leave first. They had other matters to discuss.


    Lynch was a professional and dedicated person. Once he learned that Mr. Fox and his son''s n had alreadymenced, he could no longer ignore it.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 147:

    Chapter 147:


    In this world, there was also a movie that could make a profit before it was even filmed.


    It was a movie about a minority group in the Baylor Federation changing their racial status through hard work and achieving happiness. In this movie, each member of that minority group disyed remarkable diligence, resilience, and a fearless attitude towards life''s challenges. Ultimately, under the leadership of the protagonist, this group earned widespread acim and validation from society.


    However, this kind of movie itself didn''t have replicability. It was able to make money before the production even started,rgely due to the majority of minority actors volunteering their time and the substantial contributions from minority capitalists who donated and sponsored the project.


    Of course, these minority members were only a very small part of the whole society. The ones who truly controled this country were still Baylorians.


    But it was still understandable as to why some minority members had money. Being able to afford a ticket from all over the world to the Baylor Federation when the mode of transportation in this world was not yet well-developed was something that ordinary families could not afford. Not to mention, those people not only brought their families but also their servants here.


    As for the poor members of the minority in the movie, it may just be a narrative device; what theycked was not money but political power.


    The Baylor Federation actually appreciated the contributions of these people. It was precisely because of them that the Federation''s economic development had been so rapid in recent years.


    Yet, the movie Fox Junior aimed to produce didn''t delve into religious or racial themes. So, how could he begin generating revenue before evenmencing filming?


    "It''s actually quite simple..." Lynch was feeling great. He had just shared a drink with the mayor over dinner and was now enjoying another here. Plus, his rapport with Mr. Fox and his son was excellent, leaving him feeling quite at ease.Wine was a magical thing. It was magical to the point that no matter how nervous a person was, as soon as they took a sip, they would be incredibly rxed, including prisoners who were about to be executed.


    Given a drink before their execution, they would even jest with the guards, quipping, "Just zap me quick with the electricity. I''ll be lying in the coffin for the memorial service. Wouldn''t want the whole church smelling like a barbecue. They''re not there for a buffet, you know."


    Lynch sat back on the sofa, holding his wine ss. "Let''s talk about the first way to make money..." He looked at Fox Junior. "After watching a decent adult-level movie in the cinema, would you want to see more content rted to the female lead?"


    The general content of the movie Fox Junior wanted to shoot was about a scantily d female lead, tomato sauce, and aliens, a lively plot, at least ording to James.


    Mr. Fox''s lips curled slightly, whereas Fox Junior nodded a bit embarrassedly. However, it was normal for one to fantasize about the female lead or female stars in a movie.


    As Lynch took another sip of wine, the alcohol heightened his mood slightly. "If you were to hear that the female lead of this movie will shoot some straightforward, adult-themed scenes shortly after, would you be interested?"


    Both Mr. Fox and his son were taken aback for a moment, and then they both nodded. Mr. Fox even asked, "Will we be shooting it ourselves?"


    Lynch was also amused. "What? You want to y a role in it?"


    Face instantly turning red, Mr. Fox quickly shook his head repeatedly. "No, no. I''m just curious. I don''t know if we would make this type of movie."


    Lynch shook his head. "Of course, we won''t be filming it ourselves. We''ll be hosting an audition, selecting a beautiful girl with a good figure, and then signing multiple contracts with her, including the contract for the first movie and subsequent ones..." He shrugged. "You know the drill."


    "Then sell this contract to thergest adult movie producer in the federation. The hype surrounding this will bring us stable ie and exposure."


    "Those adult movie enthusiasts who don''t really watch mainstream movies will specifically pay attention to our movies and get a sneak peek at who the leading actress in the next series by their revered movie studio would be."


    "At the same time, for the movie producers, even the audience who wouldn''t typically be interested in their movies, but are drawn by the leading actress, would also purchase their products."


    "Of course, this is just the first step..."


    There were too many ways to make money, from the television broadcast rights of auditions to sponsorship, advertising, and some self-funded performances. That was why there were so many scammers in this industry.


    Even if a script that was so bad it couldn''t get any worse, as long as it was registered with the Directors'' Union, some people would dare to take this bad script everywhere and scam investors out of their money, with a very high sess rate.


    The movie and television industries were rapidly gaining momentum in recent years, fueled by the increasing poprity of television and more individuals opting to stay home due to financial constraints. This shift had led to television programs consistently achieving record-high viewership ratings.


    Many people had already realized the enormous risks in the financial market, but they were still trying to join this booming industry. However, most of them became targets for scammers.


    Lynch discussed with Mr. Fox and his son for a while, deciding to spend about a month or two to hold auditions in the state and select a suitable female lead¡ªactually, this female lead would only be avable to a few people, as most ordinary girls would not agree to shoot some adult movies, even if they were just "adult-rated" rather than "adult" movies.


    But some girls who had already entered this industry did not mind. ording to some tabloid reports, at least thousands of girls of all kinds would enter the adult movie industry every year in recent years.


    Many people believed those girls had different reasons, but ultimately, it all came down to one thing: money.


    The filming duration was short, the audience was niche, and the publicity was minimal. However, the pay was substantial. The adult movies in which many girls participated may never intersect with their social circles for their entire lives.


    Even if they were really discovered, it sounded much better than being a streetwalker, although both professions were viewed the same by ordinary people.


    Among these girls, there would always be those who met the character requirements and were willing to expose themselves to some extent. Moreover, these girls and adult movie producers would typically only sign one project at a time, without long-term contracts, so it was more convenient.


    Lynch''s articte discussion of various methods astonished Mr. Fox and his son. Once again, they felt that their initial idea of bringing Lynch on board was perhaps the best decision they had made in recent years.


    The following morning, knocks on the door roused Lynch from his slumber. It took him a moment to remember that he hadn''t slept in his own home the previous night, but rather at the Foxes'' vi.


    He gradually recalled that he had stayed upte chatting with Mr. Fox and his son, so he didn''t return home and remained here instead.


    Not long after, he appeared in the dining room, just in time for breakfast.


    There were some simple but exquisite dishes on the white table, which instantly lifted his mood.


    "Did you sleep wellst night?" Mr. Fox asked out of courtesy. Normally, people would say "That was a fantastic bed" or "It was a nice experience." It was also a courtesy.


    But Lynch shook his head as he sat down. "To be honest, not really. I''m not used to spring beds, and the mattress on that spring bed is softer than any I''ve ever seen."


    Mr. Fox''s face suddenly took on a more curious and inquisitive expression. "Forgive me for being intrusive, my friend Lynch, have you ever been to jail or been incarcerated?"


    "No." Lynch replied firmly, without even a moment of dy, "Why do you ask?"


    "Nothing, only long-term prisoners would like harder beds. You may not know, but currently, only prisons still have some really hard beds."


    When spring mattresses first appeared, they were indeed considered a luxury item affordable only to the wealthy. However, their construction was not actuallyplex at all. Soon, some people bypassed patented technology to produce inexpensive products. Subsequently, the developers of the first-generation spring mattresses simply closed their factories and focused solely on licensing.


    This also led to the poprity of spring beds in almost the entire society. Some advertisements were particrly enticing, such as "Enjoy a five million bucks nightlife for just fifty bucks", to the extent that now, the vast majority of households had spring mattresses.


    Lynch said he was not used to such a soft bed, so the only option left was the wooden nk bed in prisons, oh, and the countryside.


    Lynch didn''t respond to the question. When he requested a custom-made nk bed, the staff at the furniture store also looked at him strangely, but he didn''tment on it.


    He casually picked up the Trading Report and found nothing particrly extraordinary on the front page, not much different from any other day. However, to his surprise, as he flipped through the pages, he stumbled upon an interesting piece of news tucked away towards the back.


    A businessman had purchased a war bond from a country that had participated in World War. Currently, this country belonged to the victorious nations, so theoretically, with the end of the war, the bond should have been redeemed. However, the bond redemption service of this country had notmenced as promised at the time of bond issuance.


    Because of this, aw firm in the federal capital issued a warning to individuals and organizations holding these bonds.


    However, perhaps because these matters hadn''t received official recognition, and the federal authorities might not have verified them, although it sessfully made it into the Trading Report, it was ced in an awkward spot, sandwiched in the middle.


    Lynch furrowed his brow, noting this matter in his mind. If even the victorious nations couldn''t redeem their bonds, then the global economic situation was extremely worrying!


    Apart from this piece of news, there was nothing else worth his attention. Things like the Federal Industrial Index hitting a new high were no longer appealing. In the past three years, out of at least eight hundred issues of newspapers, at least six hundred issues reported the same content¡ª''Creating Miracles.'' Sometimes, too many miracles would make people numb.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 148:

    Chapter 148:


    When Lynch returned home after breakfast, his maid informed him that Mr. Ferrall had called and asked him to call back as soon as possible.


    The era without mobilemunication was indeed inconvenient. If someone didn''t stay in a specific ce, nobody in the world would be able to find them.


    After Lynch promptly returned Ferrall''s call, Ferrall exined the purpose of his call.


    The mayor had already taken care of Lynch''s application to join the Federal Progressive Party, saving him the trouble of dealing with it himself. The party''s Development Office would handle all the paperwork on his behalf.


    At the same time, probably on Wednesday, which was the day after tomorrow, someone from the State Office of the Federal Progressive Party woulde to Sabin City to meet with Lynch. Members like him, joining the Progressive Party through the rmendation of a city mayor, typically received more prestigious treatment.


    The developmentmissioner would talk to Lynch about his impression of the Progressive Party, whether Lynch had any suggestions for the party, and if he needed any help from the party.


    Ferrall told Lynch that he could say anything but absolutely could not request help, as it wouldn''t be a good thing.


    Many newly joined members of the Progressive Party were unaware of that when they discussed the challenges they faced in their businesses or work, some of which could be easily solved by the Progressive Party. However, once the issues were resolved with the help of the party, they would immediately seek returns.


    It wasn''t the endless or unreasonable demands; they were just pointing out that if help was given to them, shouldn''t they also provide assistance to others¡ªsome of their fellow Progressive Party friends¡ªwhen they could?In fact, this approach could easily integrate an individual with the collective, but sometimes it could also pose issues¡ªnot everyone appreciated such "dedication."


    In addition, there would be a charity auction in the state on Saturday night to raise funds to solve some of the city''s unemployment subsidy problems. Lynch was also invited to attend. And next Monday, Lynch had to make time as the City Hall would hold a forum to discuss how to revitalize urban development.


    Lynch didn''t refuse these events. After all, the higher a person''s value in society, the less one could guaranteeplete independence. So, he carefully noted the times for each event.


    Many people thought that being wealthy would be very liberating. In some ways, it was true, but sometimes it could be very restrictive because all aspects of society needed these people to voice their opinions or make contributions.


    People who had a lot of money and just yed all day without doing anything didn''t exist in this world or any other world.


    There were all kinds of meetings and events they needed to attend to, and none of them could be missed. Sometimes,dies and gentlemen of the upper ss would also feel very exhausted, as this kind of mental and physical exhaustion could be much more taxing than the straightforward fatigue felt by manualborers.


    At this moment, Lynch suddenly remembered what Katherine had said that day. Perhaps the so-called life of the upper ss was spent in chatting and dining.


    The next day, Tuesday afternoon, Lynch arrived at the location agreed upon with Lto by car to visit his factory.


    This man had met him at a previous reception, seeking opportunities for cooperation, which was also the purpose of Lynch''s visit here.


    He believed that as the federal situation worsened, many things would rx their requirements, includingws rted to employment.


    Once it got to the point that people couldn''t even afford food, no one would care aboutws and regtions anymore. At that time, making money, buying food, and filling one''s stomach were the most important things.


    As soon as the car stopped, Lto, apanied by his secretary, hurriedly approached to greet Lynch. He halted Lynch''s driver from opening the car door, opting to personally open it for Lynch instead.


    If it weren''t for his current precarious situation, how would he, a factory owner, make such a move?


    "Sorry to keep you waiting..." After getting out of the car, Lynch adjusted his attire and shook hands with Lto. Compared to his calm and restrained demeanor and his strong confidence, Lto seemed like an insignificant supporting character in some stories.


    He stood with a subtle lean, not quite like a bow but far from standing tall. He aimed to avoid appearing overly subservient yetcked the confidence to assert himself, embodying a man caught in indecision.


    "Not at all. I''m already very happy that you coulde. Shall we proceed to tour my factory?" he said, leading Lynch towards the factory.


    The factory upied about forty acres ofnd with three workshops and a warehouse. Such factories were verymon in industrial areas. Perhaps wanting to present a "busy" scene to Lynch, all the workers in the workshops were present today, wearing clean work clothes and working diligently.


    Lto probably regarded Lynch as a young man with little social experience, assuming he had never been to a factory area. Otherwise, he would''ve understood how foolish his actions were.


    In fact, whether it was sewing workers orborers, their work clothes couldn''t stay clean. Especially those on the assembly line, the high intensity of work and mounting pressure left them with little concern for whether they were getting their clothes dirty.


    But here, everyone wore clean clothes and worked leisurely, as if they were dealing with artworks rather thanmodities.


    However, what Lynch mainly came to see wasn''t these people and their skill levels; he came to inspect the condition of these sewing machines.


    Currently, most of the federal garment factories used the same semi-manual, semi-steam-powered industrial sewing machines Lto used in his factory. They had a handlebar, four pedals, and relied on manual foot pedal operation for handling some of the finer details.


    The necessity for steam power would only arise during sewing tasks involving long seams. However, this requirement would inadvertently result in a hot workshop environment, as the escaping hot steam from the pipes would contribute to the elevated temperature.


    In fact, beside these steam-powered sewing machines, there were also some electric ones, but their sales and usage rates were low.


    The hidden cost of expensive electricitypared to cheap steam was too high. Perhaps the daily electricity bill could buy enough fuel for a week, so steam-powered sewing machines were mainstream.


    As for making the workbenches and workspaces hot, that wasn''t something the factory owners cared about; they never cared whether the workers werefortable when working.


    "The machines are quite new..." Upon a cursory inspection, Lynch discovered that the machines seemed well-maintained, with no obvious signs of wear and tear.


    Lto was puzzled but still nodded amodatingly, "These machines were updated two years ago. They are practically indistinguishable from new ones."


    Two years ago, business wasn''t as tough, so he invested heavily in upgrading. However, he quickly encountered issues such as reduced demand, leading to significant losses.


    Therefore, his words weren''t exaggerated. Since purchasing these machines, their usage gradually decreased. Initially, they could operate on a one-day-on, one-day-off basis, but now they were essentially at aplete standstill.


    If it weren''t to avoid bankruptcy filings, he might have applied for aplete shutdown long ago.


    After touring several workshops, Lynch arrived at Lto''s office. His office was grand, indicating he had lived well in recent years.


    The exquisite, luxurious furnishings made it look less like a factory owner''s office and more like a CEO''s office, but this also highlighted Lto''s difficulties and some minor silliness.


    As soon as Lynch settled onto the sofa, Lto''s secretary promptly delivered a cup of coffee. However, he declined it. Who knew how old those coffee beans were? Considering the factory''s financial state, they likely had to budget even for purchasing coffee beans.


    Lto looked at Lynch with an expectant expression, hoping for a positive response. Even a trivial order could sustain him for a while longer.


    Many factory owners like Lto faced the same embarrassing situation. Once they announced aplete shutdown and couldn''t resume work in the short term, they would vite thend use agreement they signed with the city hall.


    They would not only lose their factorynd but also all the real estate on thatnd. By then, even if they could hold on for a while longer, they would dere bankruptcy under such pressure.


    So even if these factory owners couldn''te up with money, even if they had to borrow or loan, they had to open their factories every now and then, at least to tide over these problems.


    Lto looked at Lynch hopefully. Naturally, Lynch gave him some hope. "Do you have any recent issues of magazines or newspapers rted to fashion here?"


    Lto immediately looked at his secretary, who quickly confirmed and found a fashion magazine fromst month. It featured some stylish clothes and essories, all thetest trends in the fashion world.


    Lynch flipped through it casually, then tossed the magazine onto the table. "Can you make these clothes and essories? "


    Lto was a little surprised. He wasn''t sure what Lynch meant, but he still nodded, "It''s not difficult. My nket factory has the capability for essories, and the clothing can be made by the garment factory. There''s no technical difficulty; the main problem is the innovative design and concept."


    Lynch nodded approvingly. "Using simr materials, I want you to select some of the most fashionable brands and popr clothing styles at present and produce a hundred pieces of each, and for essories and bags, produce a thousand pieces of each. In return, I''ll give you one buck profit for each item. Can you do it?"


    Feeling troubled, Lto picked up the magazine and looked at the descriptions of the fashion and branded essories. These were all products of big brands, and they had design patents. "If I don''t have authorization, making these products would lead to legal consequences, evenwsuits..."


    Lynch simply smiled. "Even if you get sued, your factory won''t go bankrupt immediately. But without this order, your factory won''tst a few days. Do you choose to let your business continue, facing possiblewsuits that may not even happen, or do you choose bankruptcy for the sake of adhering to some principles? I respect people with convictions, but I don''t sympathize with them. So. what would you choose, Mr. Lto?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 149:

    Chapter 149:


    When Lynch spoke, it was always gentle and soft. He never gave the impression of being harsh or intimidating. Instead, he felt like a kid in the neighborhood¡ªsunny, friendly, and with a touch of familiarity.


    But at this moment, Lto felt something different. Lynch felt like a mountain... no, like a sea cliff in the midst of a storm.


    He stood there in the endless ocean, with mad storms whipping the waves against him, crashing down fiercely.


    Yet these waves ultimately remained just waves, dissipating into nothing after a ssh, unable to harm him in the slightest.


    Lto was like these waves. He was angry, resentful, sad, and sorrowful, but all his emotions turned into helpless sshes of water in the face of Lynch''s bright, smiling expression.


    "No problem, Mr. Lynch..." he lowered his head but also felt relieved. Tens of thousands, or even more, in pure profit would allow his factory to operate for a while longer¡ªtwo or three months. This was a good thing for him.


    As for potentially breaking thew... he felt that he might need to change his approach. He then looked up sincerely at Lynch, "Mr. Lynch, I agree with your idea. When can we sign themission agreement?"


    Lto seemed humble and respectful, but this was just his appearance and the result of having no other options. In reality, in this era, any businessman who could start from scratch and seed was never simple.


    Amission agreement seemed like he just wanted assurance. Signing it would allow him to rx, not fearing Lynch reneging.But Lynch was not as young and naive as he appeared. In terms of social experience and insight, he far surpassed Lto.


    He smiled slightly, "Mr. Lto, I always believe that true friends don''t need contracts or agreements to define each other''s obligations. Those are for strangers, and they desecrate the feelings between friends. Don''t you think so?"


    Lto scratched his hair, speaking with a tone of supplication, "Mr. Lynch, I''m in a difficult situation now. If I could have such an agreement or contract, my workers would feel more secure, and the bank wouldn''t pressure me to repay the loan quickly."


    "It might be trivial to you, but it''s very important to me," he added.


    He looked pitiful, but he was not pitiful on the inside.


    If Lynch signed a productionmission agreement with Lto,missioning him and his factory to produce a batch of clothing and essories, once the designers pursued ountability, Lto could use themission agreement or production contract to tell the designers that they only engaged in non-liable production practices. In fact, the infringer was Lynch.


    But without thismission agreement or production contract, if someone pursued legal action in the future, Lynch would bear the lightest responsibility for sales. He could even im he was deceived and not only avoid any legal liability but also sue Lto for fraud or hiding the truth.


    What seemed like a simple piece of paper directly defined the liability for infringement legally. Lto thought Lynch was very young and couldn''t know everything, but Lynch did know everything.


    They stared at each other, their gazes intersecting in the air. Lynch''s smile remained, "It seems Mr. Lto is not very interested in this cooperation..." He exhaled lightly, cing his hand on the armrest of the sofa as he stood up. "It''s a pity. If there''s a chance..."


    "I agree!" Lto interrupted Lynch, also standing up. "I agree, Mr. Lynch." His face showed destion, like the falling leaves of autumn.


    If this were a few years ago, he could have unhesitatingly mmed the table and told Lynch to get out of his office. But now, he had to bear the legal risks far exceeding his profits for this deal.


    He had no good way to solve the funding issue. If the city hall and the workers'' union believed he couldn''t continue running the machines, the city hall would take back the factorynd, and he would have nothing left.


    All of this was to survive. Only by surviving was there hope.


    "Sessful businessman" Mr. Lto understood his troubles well, so he rationally bowed his head to extend the factory''s life instead of emotionally ending the deal.


    Lynch nodded in satisfaction, walking out, "Very well, Mr. Lto. You can send me your bank ount number. I will give you a thirty percent advance payment soon. When I see the first batch of products, I will gradually pay the remaining bnce. Any problem?"


    He stood at the door, looking back at Lto who followed behind him. Lto shook his head, "No problem, Mr. Lynch."


    Only then did Lynch turn around, extending his hand, watching Lto walk three or four steps to him and humbly shake his hand. He smiled, "It''s a pleasure to be able to work with you, Mr. Lto."


    Whether Lto was happy or not, only he knew. He forced a smile and nodded, "Thank you, the pleasure is ours. We look forward to a sessful coboration, Mr. Lynch."


    Standing outside, watching Lynch''s car depart, Lto sighed heavily, then punched the wall all of sudden, letting out a miserable cry.


    The secretary was terrified and hurried to call an ambnce, but Lto stopped her, shaking his head pale-faced, "No need, I''m fine. Get the foreman to gather the workers..."


    The secretary, unsure of his intentions, hastily carried out his orders. Meanwhile, in the office, Lto poured water over his head and also smeared a small bag of breadcrumbs left over from a few days ago on his lips. When the secretary entered, she was startled by the sight.


    At that moment, Lto looked like he was on the brink of death, seemingly about to die at any moment. She didn''t understand how a punch on the wall could be so serious and began worrying about her job.


    Lto wiped the breadcrumbs off his lips, quickly walking out to the open space, addressing the curious workers with a sorrowful tone, depicting himself as a pitiable man who had begged on his knees to get them orders.


    He told everyone that this job was hard-won, and if possible, he hoped everyone could voluntarily work overtime. He couldn''t afford overtime pay anymore, but they needed toplete the orders as soon as possible...


    Actually, Lto didn''t need to worry too much. In this depressed economy, these bigpanies wouldn''t casually filewsuits against a small, nearly bankrupt factory, becausewsuits cost money.


    From the momentwyers started gathering evidence, money would flow out like water. Generally, bigpanies''wsuits had two purposes: first, to annex otherpanies, needing legal assistance.


    The second was for industry dominance, driving others out of their territory.


    Facing a small businessman like Lto and his infringement, bigpanies were reluctant to act. They would spend a lot of money on thewsuit and get no valuable results.


    They wouldn''t get anypensation because Lto''s factory could go bankrupt at any moment. Theirwyers would find this out.


    They wouldn''t gain any public support or influence, as people never believed bigpanies were just. In many movies and stories, bigpanies were symbols of evil, and people would resent theirwsuits.


    They would gain nothing, spend a lot of money, and damage their image. With the current economic downturn, they would avoid taking action if they could.


    This batch of goods was mainly for the middle ss. Lynch nned to include the middle ss in his auction. Previously, when discussing the Interster Trading Company with other investors, he mentioned the n to refine and segment the customer base.


    That was to turn the "second-hand goods auction" into two rtively independent businesses: "second-hand goods trading" and "second-hand goods auction," thus diversifying the audience.


    Ultimately, ordinary people would flow into various regional second-hand goods malls or trading markets. The "official" channel, managed by the Interster Trading Company, would handle the sale of ordinary second-hand goods from various regions. Some ordinary people would also be able to pay management fees to engage in personal trading within it.


    After all, ordinary people, given the current economic trends, wouldn''t have long-term consumption impulses. After satisfying their desires once or twice, they wouldn''t be impulsive again and might not have extra money. So, they were more suitable for cheaper ordinary goods trading areas.


    Conversely, the changing situation would make the middle ss start following these ordinary families. They would also consider cutting expenses or had already started, but their situation was moreplex.


    Inmunities densely popted by the middle ss, there was often a very particr phenomenon: the prevalence ofparison and attention-seeking.


    Who did what business, or worked where, what car they got this year, what watch they bought, where they traveled... all of this would be noted and spread throughout themunity.


    Everyone spent their timepeting andparing. They needed to maintain their dignity, but unfortunately, the methods they used to maintain it could be difficult to handle¡ªnamely, consumption.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 150:

    Chapter 150:


    Widespreadmon knowledge and conventional wisdom were peculiar social phenomena. These phenomena had existed since the dawn of human society and continued to this day.


    People would inexplicably share a consensus about the actions they should take at certain stages of their lives, often without anyone explicitly instructing them.


    From the moment one purchased a second-hand entry-level luxury item, they would gradually be seen as a "wealthy person" in the eyes of others. This transformation would bring not only satisfying admiring nces but also newfound respect from people.


    This was a fascinating social phenomenon. While people consistently emphasized the importance of respecting knowledge and educated individuals, in reality, they only respected power and money.


    To maintain their dignity and status, the middle ss needed Lynch and his inexpensive "high-end" clothes, which they would never reveal were knock-offs.


    Lto wouldn''t expose it, Lynch wouldn''t say it, and the buyers certainly wouldn''t go around bragging about their counterfeit goods. So there was no need to worry about anything.


    After leaving Lto''s factory, Lynch had another matter on his mind. He wanted to acquire Lto''s factory, which was rted to some of his uing ns. However, he was also keenly aware that now was not the right time.


    The situation hadn''t deteriorated to the point where the mayor or society atrge had to make concessions. They were still deceiving themselves, believing they lived in a civilized society.


    When they could no longer maintain their facade of dignity and kindness, they would tear off the mask of hypocrisy, revealing to people that this was not a civilized society but a dog-eat-dog world.Only under such circumstances would certain entrenchedws had a chance to be changed. Lynch could wait; he had enough patience.


    Later, he met with the mayor''s nephew, a young man named Mark, who looked about twenty-five or twenty-six, maybe twenty-seven or twenty-eight, certainly not yet thirty, with some youthful innocence still on his face.


    Mark was very enthusiastic and immediately started talking about his uncle, the controller of this city, and their conversations. He also talked about Lynch''s business and his intention to invest in it.


    "I''ve had my friends conduct an investigation. I must say, Mr. Lynch, you have chosen the right business at the right time. My uncle¡­" he shrugged, "Mayor Langdon, speaks very highly of you and always praises your excellence and outstanding performance in front of my family. It''s quite enviable."


    Mark was good at chatting, as people in his role often were, otherwise, they wouldn''t be entrusted with such tasks.


    "I think the Interster Trading Company is a very promisingpany. You have an excellent management team and aprehensive development n. If possible, I''d like to hitch a ride."


    Everyone knew, including Mark himself, that he was merely a frontman. But he was very aware of his job and scope of authority, otherwise, the mayor wouldn''t have entrusted him with such an important task.


    Lynch nodded, this was something he and the mayor had agreed upon. "Someone has appraised us at seventy million, but the mayor has helped me a lot, and I am grateful. I am willing to use fifty million as the bottom line for financing."


    He nced at Mark, who was listening intently, with a half-smile. "So, how much do you want?"


    Mark blushed a little and scratched his head awkwardly, looking somewhat like a school nerd facing a girl for the first time, a bit embarrassed and awkward.


    But in this context, it wasn''t a good thing. Lynch knew the other party was about to make an outrageous demand.


    Everyone had little habits that revealed their true thoughts. Lynch forced himself to unify all his natural and unnatural habits, emotional expressions, and facial expressions into a smile. Smiling would disarm people, making it the most appropriate form of control.


    Mark''s control method might be to make himself look "embarrassed," using this to mask his intentions.


    In the next second, just as Lynch expected, Mark said embarrassedly, "I didn''t know the valuation would be so high. I only prepared eight hundred thousand, but I want three percent of the shares. My information channel seems to have a problem. What should I do now?"


    ording to federal and financialws, an individual holding three percent of apany''s stock could attend board meetings. With more than five percent, they could participate in the board meeting. The percentage he requested was subtle.


    A three percent stake wouldn''t offend anyone, as shareholders at this level couldn''t influence or initiate any power-rted actions, such as proposing votes, breaks, or discussions. They could only sit quietly at the back or against the wall, listening to the board meeting withoutmenting.


    This wouldn''t make people overly resentful. They were like ornaments that embellished the board meeting.


    However, attending board meetings was valuable because itpleted the first phase of stock acquisition. ording to securities financialw, once someone held more than three percent of apany''s stock, they must dere it to the relevant authorities and the public.


    The second phase was five percent, making them a significant shareholder eligible to attend board meetings.


    If someone didn''t follow the rules and failed to issue two derations, one at three percent and another at five percent, it could be considered a hostile takeover or even suspected of illegal behind-the-scenes dealings. The affectedpany could file awsuit to dy and address some of these issues.


    The benefit of this approach was that if someone acquired three percent of the shares and thepany sensed something was amiss, it could respond promptly. For instance, thepany could raise the stock price, forcing the acquirer to abandon their acquisition due to insufficient funds to meet their desired share percentage.


    Mark''s three percent could bypass derations and, without Lynch''s knowledge, increase to five percent, gaining the right to attend board meetings.


    When a mayor''s agent gained the right to initiate votes in board meetings, it was a terrifying prospect!


    So, Mark or the mayor behind him was very shrewd. Maybe this shrewdness came from themselves, but Lynch believed that Ferrall must know some more specific details.


    Faced with Mark''s request, Lynch didn''t hesitate. Everything shed through his mind like lightning, and he agreed in the blink of an eye.


    "We are both members of the Progressive Party; we should help each other." He nodded slightly. "You can prepare the contract."


    Such a straightforward response made Mark hesitate. He had discussed share acquisitions with many businessmen, but they always haggled with him, some even angrily calling the mayor, using Mark of manipting things.


    These people were foolish. An agent wouldn''t have their own ideas; Mark''s opinion represented the mayor''s. This young man didn''t dare, nor did he have the right, to change the mayor''s will.


    Rather than making everyone look bad and eventually signing the contract reluctantly, why not be straightforward? Perhaps they could gain some extra benefits.


    Mark looked at Lynch with a somewhat strange expression. Especially the look in his eyes, it was as if he were looking at an idiot or a...


    He held back hisugh and said. "You''re a very interesting person, Mr. Lynch. I brought the contract." He then took a contract out of his briefcase, which made Lynch even more certain that this price was authorized by the mayor. Moreover, there was likely another contract in Mark''s briefcase.


    If Lynch called the mayor, the mayor and Mark would have a "serious talk" and adjust the price slightly, but not by much, so there must be a second contract in the briefcase.


    Lynch picked up the contract and looked it over. There were no major issues; the main content covered the transfer price and share percentage, along with details on dilution and reduction of shares if new funds were introduced in the future.After reviewing the contract, Lynch signed his name, followed by Mark. They then each kept a copy, and with that, the transfer wasplete.


    Looking at the bank check for eight hundred thousand, Lynch couldn''t help but smile. He always expressed his emotions, happy or not, with a smile.


    Mark saw him smiling and felt a bit puzzled. The nature of this matter was essentially coercion, yet Lynch not only didn''t resist but kept smiling the whole time. This made Mark feel very peculiar and strange.


    He couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Lynch, you seem very happy. Would you mind sharing what''s making you so happy?"


    Lynch snapped back and put away the contract, "certainly."


    "You know, country mice are very cunning. Even the best house cats can hardly catch them, but recently someone invented a new method."


    "The new method involves boiling starch and broth on the stove, then pouring the thick, sticky mixture in ces frequented by mice. Overnight, numerous mice would drown in it."


    "The sugar and starch will attract the mice, making them ignore how sticky it is."


    Lynch stood up, shook Mark''s hand. "I''m d mypany has its first partner, but I hope you keep the transaction price confidential. You know, our market value is seventy million; your three percent is worth two million."


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 Chapter 151:

    Chapter 151:


    The fact that Mark represented the mayor in acquiring shares of the Interster Trading Company might be hard for some ordinary people to understand, but it was actually quite normal. After all, there were many things that the general popce might not even be aware of.


    Some joked that every time there was a general election in the Baylor Federation, a new consortium would be born in thest second of the election. The Baylor Federation had a history of over three hundred years since its founding and had weed fifty-two presidents.


    Why fifty-two? Because some presidents had met untimely ends¡ªfalling and seriously injuring themselves while going downstairs, being blown into the sea while fishing, or other such incidents...


    In any case, there were always some people who were less fortunate. But that was normal; that was life, wasn''t it?


    Beside these unlucky presidents, almost every other president had had the shadow of a consortium behind them. Take, for example, the well-known "Jerry & Dace," a consortium that emerged because of a president.


    This consortium had supported three politicians in achieving their moments of glory on the federal stage. And it was because they had helped three presidents win the elections, "Jerry & Dace" had never encountered trouble in over a hundred years.


    No one knew when they would select the next president for the federation, who would also belong to their group.


    Oh, by the way, those three presidents were respectively the son, grandson, and great-grandson of the founders of "Jerry & Dace" ¨C they were all family.


    Political power and capital power could sometimes be like water and fire, but other times they were indistinguishable. This was the Baylor Federation, and of sweet freedom.From this perspective, it was not so shocking that the mayor had shares in the Interster Trading Company, especially since it was his nephew Mark who executed the transaction. Lynch believed that if any issues arose, Mark would immediately step forward to apologize to the public, and his uncle, the mayor, would also not easily forgive anyone who broke thew and the rules, even if that person were his nephew.


    If nothing terrible happened and the Interster Trading Company continued to profit appropriately, Lynch and hispany might be part of a consortium. Of course, the mayor cannot be president, but the core focus would be his superiors.


    Lynch, no longer in his cynical years, did not feel offended by this. Instead, he saw it as a good thing. With Mark as a shareholder, tasks that were difficult for Lynch could be handled by Mark.


    No one was better suited for this role. Many would think Mark represented the mayor, so even if there were troubles, they should not bother Mark because bothering Mark meant bothering the mayor. But Lynch did not think this way.


    When everyone knew Mark represented the mayor, Mark''s presence would signal the mayor''s stance. He didn''t even need to say anything¡ªjust standing beside Lynch was enough.


    Skipping over this minor matter, Lynch met with the mayor the next day at a charity g. Strictly speaking, it was indeed a charity event, with almost all the local social elites of Sabin City in attendance.


    The number of attendees was not toorge, a few hundred people. The upper ss in a city of 800,000 could only amodate these few hundred. About half to one-third of these attendees were there because their partners had ess,cking the standing themselves, making the actual number of the upper ss even smaller.


    Lynch sat towards the back. His age, business, and wealth were not enough to ce him in the most conspicuous position in the front row. Sitting in the back had its advantages, allowing him to observe the subtle actions of the elegantly dressed men and women in front.


    The theme of the charity g was to help some unemployed people through their current difficulties. The unemployment rate in Sabin City had reached a terrifying 16%, and there were already reports of someone starving to death.


    This was not a good sign. The city hall, or rather the mayor, used his influence to suppress this news, but he also realized that the situation had reached a point where political forces needed to be mobilized.


    In fact, people starved to death every year. Homeless people died from heat in the summer, froze to death in the winter, and asionally starved to death on the street. This was a normal urrence.


    A few years ago, there was even a horrific incident where homeless people attacked wild dogs, only to be overwhelmed and eaten by the dogs. This incident sparked a brief societal debate, but after the debate, people no longer paid attention to this group.


    In interviews, many people expressed the same view: homeless people had hands and feet and could work to support themselves. Even scavenging could provide a sufficient livelihood. But they chose to beg, so they were not worthy of sympathy.


    However, this time the person who starved to death was not a homeless person but an unemployed, elderly man who lived on his own.


    He was not really that old, just over fifty and not yet at retirement age. He originally had a job but lost it four months ago. He wanted to work but couldn''t find a job and starved to death in his bed after exhausting his savings.


    If not for the neighbors being affected by the stench, it might have taken much longer to discover this. Thus, the mayor realized that immediate action was necessary.


    The mayor stood at the podium and briefly mentioned this news with a heavy tone. The social elites below were also shocked, and somedies even shed sorrowful tears.


    Some were genuinely shocked, while others were not truly saddened.


    For these elites, it was hard to imagine that an ordinary person could starve to death. The current situation was indeed worse than previous years, but not to such an extent, right?


    But the fact remains: many people were facing hunger and hardship and need help.


    In the past three hundred years, the Baylor Federation had faced simr situations and developed effective measures to solve these problems. Currently, this involved distributing food and supply stamps.


    Initially, people were directly given money, but it was soon discovered that some people collected the aid fraudulently, and some gambled, or squandered the money, then reapplied for aid. Thus, mary aid was reced with food and supply stamps.


    The donated funds from the elites would be used to purchaserge quantities of food and essential items, which needy families could then im.


    This wouldn''t make them wealthy but would prevent them from starving, which was the most the Baylor Federation could currently do: try to keep more people from starving.


    The generous donations from the wealthy were not necessarily out of true generosity. Instead, the donation amounts could be deducted from their taxes, "reimbursing" each kind donor.


    These deductions were usually full, possibly even exceeding the donation amount, so this wasn''t a loss-making affair. They might even make a bit of money, which was why top wealthy individuals were willing to do charity. They had to pay a lot of taxes, so any reduction was a victory.


    However, the tax deductions for charitable donations had a limit. The amount to donate was not decided by the wealthy themselves. Before attending the charity g, their ountants would tell them the optimal amount to donate.


    Everyone appeared to be genuinely caring for those in need, generously donating. Lynch also donated 100,000, drawing many curious nces towards him.


    Maybe Lynch''s performance made him seem like a "nt." Soon, others started a second round of donations, raising their contributions from a few thousand or ten thousand to at least thirty to fifty thousand, with some going up to one or two hundred thousand. They were unsure if this was the mayor''s intention.


    But even a slight possibility meant they couldn''t take any risks.


    By the end of the charity g, the mayor had raised nearly fifteen million bucks in donations. This significantly alleviated part of the problem. In the mayor''s closing remarks, he said that more than 200,000 people in Sabin City suffering from hunger would be fed due to everyone''s kindness and generosity.


    After the event, the mayor prepared to leave, having other matters to attend to. The city''s problems had left him overwhelmed. Even Mark''s lucrative deal hadn''t brought much joy to his face.


    Money could satisfy material needs, but the mayor yearned for power.


    However, he still took half a minute to speak with Lynch, cing himst. "I heard from Mark that he likes you a lot?"


    They shook hands and talked, with others not approaching out of social etiquette.


    Lynch nodded, "I like Mark too. He''s a great guy..." His words seemed unfinished, making the mayor curious and urging him to speak quickly, as he had a small closed-door meeting next.


    Lynch thenpleted his sentence, "Is it toote for me to start a food factory now?"


    The mayor was taken aback for a moment, then couldn''t help butugh. He thought Lynch would talk about Mark or the dealst night, but instead, Lynch was thinking about the fifteen million bucks in donations.


    A young man with unique insights and ideas, the mayor thought, shaking his head. "Mark probably didn''t tell you, but he already has a food factory..." he hinted, "I have high hopes for you two. You will be good friends."


    Lynch pursed his lips, "That''s really sad. As for me and Mark..." He smiled, "I also believe we can be good friends."


    The mayor patted his hand, said no more, and left, disappointing those who hadn''t had a chance to speak with him. However, they quickly shifted their attention to Lynch, curious about his rtionship with the mayor and why he had been given thest bit of time.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 152:

    Chapter 152:


    The upper-ss cocktail parties were dull and tedious. While Lynch was chatting andworking, he also noticed some local "female celebrities," including two famous female hosts from Sabin City''s TV station.


    Young, beautiful, and always appearing in a positive light in public, but the men apanying them at this moment were old enough to be their fathers. However, maybe Lynch''s thoughts were too cynical; perhaps they really were their fathers.


    He redirected his attention to the short man in front of him, who was enthusiastically sharing his ideas about hispany and its inevitably brilliant future.


    He said that as long as Lynch was willing to join his n, there would definitely be big money to be made, and that many people had already decided to invest in his project. Moreover, he also mentioned that he was offering Lynch an investment spot purely because he liked him.


    "Maybe the bank would be interested in your project¡­" Lynch took a sip of his wine, causing the short man''s expression to freeze instantly.


    If the bank''s risk control had approved, why would he need to seek investment everywhere? It was precisely because the bank suspected a scam that they refused to loan him the money.


    Lynch looked at the short man, waiting for his response. However, under Lynch''s gaze, the short man squirmed ufortably, apologized, and quickly left.


    After donating 100,000 bucks, Lynch had be the center of attention, drawing many people who wanted to know him. Some were well-meaning, but others had malicious intentions.


    Some wanted to get to know this young tycoon, especially since it seemed he had a good rtionship with the mayor, which was worth noting.Not all tycoons had a good rtionship with the mayor. The market in Sabin City was only so big, and each industry couldn''t be dominated by just one person orpany. Federalws also wouldn''t allow it.


    Withpetition came conflict. When some people obtained orders or policies through their rtionship with the mayor, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction among others.


    But overall, everyone wanted to maintain a good rtionship with the mayor. After all, the mayor was the highest leader and nner of a city. With the mayor''s help, everyone''s business could be easier and more profitable.


    People continuously exchanged business cards with Lynch, briefly discussing their businesses. Their first meeting wouldn''t involve deep conversations, mostly just a simple understanding of each other''s identities and businesses.


    In the future, when they needed a "familiar face," they might remember Lynch.


    Of course, the most talked-about topic was finance, an unavoidable subject for any tycoon or socialite.


    After initial exchanges, people formed circles, discussing their triumphs in the stock and securities markets. People eximed in awe at those numerical miracles, thoroughly engrossed.


    Lynch watched from the outside, finding it amusing. In reality, most people involved in the financial game had little understanding of finance, stocks, securities, or futures.


    Take Fox and his son, for example. Not long ago, they had discussed this matter with Lynch. Given their new status among the wealthy, the bank had upgraded their level and assigned a service manager to handle their financial operations.


    This female manager first told them how unwise it was to leave money in the bank, possibly because she wasn''t clear about what business they were in or how much money was in their ount. After all, she did not have the authority to directly ess depositors'' information that wasn''t relevant to her duties.


    She gave examples of people achieving financial freedom and wealth myths by investing in the financial market, which moved Fox and his son.


    Since meeting Lynch, Fox and his son had be interested in earning money through legal means. The bank even offered to use its money to help them make more money, requiring only one buck of their own as capital to get an extra five or ten, or even dozens or hundreds, of "extra funds" to trade with.


    If they bet right, one buck could turn into one hundred or even several hundred overnight. The prospect of such enormous profits captivated them, and they almost opened an ount.


    But Mr. Fox''s caution led him to contact the only person he thought might know the inside story: Lynch. Lynch''s answer was simple: if he wanted to go bankrupt, now was the time to enter the financial market.


    Leveraged financing, or "margin financing," was a surefire business for banks, though not entirely foolproof. Sometimes, risk control would exceed the bank''s estimates, like mistaking a meteor for a storm. But most of the time, banks were sure to win.


    Suppose someone had 100 bucks and bought a stock. If the stock rose by 10%, he would earn 10 bucks.


    But if he applied for margin financing and the bank gave him a limit of 10,000 bucks, and the stock still rose by 10%, he would suddenly earn 1,000 bucks.


    His principal remained 100 bucks, but without margin financing, he would only earn 10 bucks. With leverage multiplying his funds a hundredfold, he would be able to earn 1,000 bucks, which was 100 times of the original profit!


    And he only needed to pay a few dozen bucks for this. The stark contrast between a few dozen bucks and 1,000 bucks profit would make many people lose themselves, ultimately bing cannon fodder.


    Of course, this was just a simplified example; the actual margin trading situations needed separate verification and calction.


    For the bank, no matter how much the margin trader earned, the bank would always win. But what if the trader''s stock or futures fell?


    The bank''s risk control system would kick in, immediately requiring the exchange to liquidate positions as soon as fluctuations approached or exceeded their safety indicators.


    Most of the time, it would be toote because the three major exchanges still relied on manual filling and telephone matching, causing dys.


    If, after liquidation, the bank found its margin trading unscathed and its profits intact, the matter would end there. As for the client''s losses, it was irrelevant to the bank.


    But if, after liquidation, the bank found it hadn''t even recovered its due share and part of the allocated funds was trapped, it would start the formal procedures.


    First, it would freeze the margin trader''s bank ount. If the savings weren''t enough to repay the bank, it would auction off the trader''s property, cars, and anything valuable.


    If that was still insufficient, the trader must dere personal bankruptcy, and the bank would offer them a job. After that, apart from essential living expenses, everything else would go directly to the bank''s ount.


    As long as the person was still alive, the debt would never disappear¡ªthough this didn''t extend to family members because the investment was personal. The trader''s family didn''t benefit from it, so they weren''t obligated to repay the debt.


    This was why some people chose to jump off buildings. At least the death of one person was better than dragging the whole family to hell.


    However, the people in front of Lynch at the moment were mostly unaware of this. Their stock and futures ounts were managed by their financial managers or brokers, including all margin trading activities.


    For those managers, getting clients to margin trade would earn themmissions, and banks would give them some kickbacks. All they needed was for their clients to sign a margin application.


    Whether the clients would jump off buildings afterward was none of their concern. After all, they had already made their money and became loyal bank partners.


    As Lynch looked at those boasting, he couldn''t help but pity them. In the end, they might not even know why they jumped from the rooftop, ending their brief and tortuous lives.


    After the cocktail party, Lynch returned home with a pocketful of business cards. In the next few days, he still needed to sign agreements with other investors to sell hispany for a good price.


    Meanwhile, it was alreadyte at night, but the president and cab members were still awake, not attending any cocktail parties. They were in a meeting room next to the president''s office.


    Currently, they were facing a major issue. The Baylor Federation had maintained neutrality in the international war, avoiding involvement by essentially paying protection money or buying peace.


    The Baylor Federation, in the name of the state, had purchased war bonds from the key countries of both major camps. Combined with an istion policy, this allowed the Baylor Federation to escape the world war unscathed.


    However, now neither the victorious nor the defeated countries were willing to honor these bonds, leaving them in a tough spot.


    If it had been a few years ago, it wouldn''t have mattered much. Back then, the Baylor Federation''s economy and finances were thriving, and they could afford to ignore those bonds. But the situation was different now.


    Arge amount of capital flight had caused the economic development speed to suddenly slow down. What was even more terrifying was that this capital flight had also led to a downturn in the real economy ¡ª many factories had closed, workers had lost their jobs, no jobs meant no ie, consumption capacity and standards continued to decline, more factories couldn''t sell their products and had to shut down. This was a vicious cycle.


    People were forced to invest in the financial market to avoid losses in real business. At least the financial market seemed prosperous.


    Redeeming these bonds could somewhat stimte the domestic economy. Even if it couldn''t reverse the current situation, it could at least prevent further decline.


    But regardless of whether the request came from individuals or the state, the internationalmunity had not responded positively; they simply refused tomunicate!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 153:

    Chapter 153:


    "Mr. President, we''re facing quite a few problems at the moment..."


    The principal aide of the cab looked somewhat embarrassed as he nced at the report in his hand. "This time, the victorious alliance has refused to honor our war bonds, citing ack of funds. The defeated nations have indicated that they need time, possibly several months, to pay up."


    The President''s stern expression softened slightly. He considered this a piece of good news. "Several months? That''s not a problem. As long as they are willing to honor the debt, it''s not an issue."


    However, the principal aide wasn''t as pleased as the President. He forced a thin smile. "But some intelligence suggests that several key defeated nations are printing more money to cope with their current financial difficulties."


    The President''s face turned serious again, even somewhat resentful. He understood the implications of this statement all too well. No one knew better than him the repercussions of printing more currency. Undoubtedly, these defeated nations also nned to default, though their methods differed from those of the victorious nations.


    Suppose the Baylor Federation''s government purchased ten billion in war bonds from a defeated nation whose currency was once on par with the Federation thor. After the war, the defeated nation would honor these bonds based on their issuance value, say two hundred billion thor or another amount of their currency.


    However, now these defeated nations were printing more money, causing their currency''s value to plummet in the international market. This, coupled with their "defeat," could mean that a currency once valued one-to-one with the thor could devalue to one hundred-to-one or even one thousand-to-one amid negative news and intion.


    By the time their money became worthless, a hundred billion in war bonds might only be worth less than one million thor!


    The victorious nations could sternly refuse to honor the debt, and the defeated nations had their ways to avoid further losses. This left the President and his entire cab with headaches.This wasn''t even the worst part. They had received information that some of the victorious nations'' war bonds had already been redeemed. Some smaller nations that had taken a stance and allied themselves without being on the front lines of the war were the first to receive payment.


    If no one had received any payments, the federal government could im that this was due to the internal situation of the victorious alliance, that they couldn''te up with so much money in a short time. After all,pensating the deaths of millions would already be a headache for them, not to mention the destruction of cities.


    But since some payments were made, Baylor Federation''s international standing became very awkward. This gave a very direct impression that Baylor Federation was being targeted.


    With thisparison, the domestic situation could deteriorate rapidly. Worse still, all this was due to the Conservative Party''s long-standing istionist policies. If people believed the President''s policies caused the current situation, the Conservative Party and the President''s cab would be under immense pressure.


    What they previously deemed the most suitable policy for the Federation in the internationalmunity could instantly be the biggest blunder of this administration due to these international rtions.


    The citizens of the Federation, who had enjoyed peace and tranquility, wouldn''t sympathize with the President''s cab. They might turn against them, ming the administration for the current dire trends. The unemployed might also use the cab, iming the istionist policies turned the Federation into an "ind," causing the myriad problems they now faced.


    The will of the people was never stable, always shifting to meet their selfish and narrow demands.


    Thinking of the countless people demonstrating outside the presidential pce, the President''s head throbbed. "For now, don''t let this news leak out. Also, have our diplomats continue negotiating with them. Even if we can''t get full payment, any positive response will do."


    At this point, the Minister of Foreign Affairs coughed lightly. The President looked at him with some displeasure. The Minister smiled wryly and asked, "Mr. President, on what grounds should we persuade them?"


    One sentence turned the President''s displeasure into a pained expression. He began to doubt the istionist policy himself. Though it seemed fine a few years ago, now he wasn''t so sure.


    The contents of the small meeting at the presidential pce soon leaked. In the Baylor Federation, the higher the level of the secret, the less of a secret it actually was. This wasmon and realistic.


    Every official likely had different financial backers or major capitalists behind thempared to the President. Their rise to power was due to the President''s favor, but more so due to agreements among tycoons, conglomerates, and major capitalists.


    They helped the President win the election, so naturally, they ced their agents in the cab.


    Having given the sweetest rewards to the key people, asking for ministerial or deputy positions wouldn''t be opposed, right?


    Thus, no news within the cab could be kept secret. Soon, major conglomerates became aware of these issues, though they didn''t immediately execute their ns. Instead, they began coordinating to adjust their industrial structures.


    Jumping the gun was uneptable because manyrge conglomerates hadn''t yet withdrawn their steps. If they acted prematurely, it could cause them to stumble. So, they needed time to shed some unnecessary parts before waiting for the signal to act.


    On Saturday afternoon, Lynch was set to attend a small consultation meeting hosted by the Sabin City Hall.


    The city hall had invited the city''s social elites to discuss how to improve the current situation and the city''s future.


    This naturally included Lynch and bank workers like Joegleman. Due to the unified request of the Baylor Federation''s Ministry of Finance, the six major banks had begun piloting a new business of "credit loans" to address the current situation.


    Everyone would receive a credit score based on their social insurance contributions, past performance in society, and their current assets and wealth. Based on this score, they could obtain different levels of unsecured credit loans from the banks.


    This policy aimed to help those unemployed, facing difficulties, but who had a good past record and some savings to get through tough times.


    As for the homeless or those with nothing, they were not included in this n.


    Before the meeting, Lynch was talking about his club to other people. Kane had already found a rtively professional coaching team for him, and they had started recruiting new yers. This reignited some people''s interest in the club.


    People liked to see the blooming flowers, and of course, some people also liked the buds that were about to bloom. However, not many people wanted to understand the steps it took for these flowers to grow from seeds to full bloom, or how each step was performed. They only wanted to enjoy the result, not bear the process and responsibility. The same went for rugby.


    People actually hoped that their city had a professional sports team, whether it was rugby, baseball, or any other sport. They also wanted to have a reason to take off their hats and wave them while watching these sporting events.


    Previously, they were unwilling to take on this responsibility themselves, but now they could start enjoying it because someone else was handling the trouble for them.


    While chatting about whether the club had a chance to join the professional league next year, Joegleman approached the group. He greeted everyone, then clearly looked at Lynch. "Smoke?"


    Lynch nodded. "Of course..." He apologized to everyone and then walked with Joegleman to a corner outside the meeting room to smoke.


    This was not a meaningless "appointment." As both lit their cigarettes, Joegleman looked around before speaking softly. "If you need a loan, you''d better do it before October. After October, the bank will raise risk and approval criteria, and it won''t be as easy afterwards."


    Banks were highly sensitive to policies, national conditions, and international situations. They had more than one research department dedicated to these matters.


    After the news from the President''s cab leaked, the banks quickly reached a frightening conclusion. They decided not to approve loans easily after the third quarter and to lower all loan amounts to ensure the bank''s assets'' safety.


    Joegleman also received a separate notification. Starting from the fourth quarter, his approval authority would be monitored.


    The separate notification wasn''t because the bank regional division didn''t trust him but because he had already secured this year''s business award. The division''s message was if he had any irregrities, he should smooth them out quickly. Additionally, some people were making sarcasticments, so to show fairness, his approvals would be reviewed from the fourth quarter.


    As for when this would end, either he''d get promoted, or the current situation would improve. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be any changes in the short term.


    "The previous ones..." Lynch took a drag of his cigarette and looked at him.


    Joegleman shook his head. "Those have already been reported to the division and headquarters. So, if you need anything, solve it now while I still have some influence. I won''t be able to helpter."


    He spoke somewhat self-deprecatingly, but it was a helpless situation. In just over two months, he went from being mediocre to topping the charts in performance. Both within and outside the system, there were suspicions that he achieved this through illicit methods.


    After all, even the board of directors at the headquarters mentioned his name. Some even suggested that he could bypass the standard procedures of working in both the regional division and headquarters roles under observation for two years, and be directly appointed as a bank manager at a regional level. How could anyone not be driven to jealousy or madness by this?Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 154:

    Chapter 154:


    The silence in the corner did not affect the entire floor. People asionally passed by in the hallway, sometimes ncing in their direction, but upon seeing two men holding cigarettes by the window, they lost interest and moved on.


    Whenever there was a meeting, some gentlemen would finish their cigarettes before it started. Although there was no explicit administrative order prohibiting smoking indoors, people generally avoided such behavior.


    Firstly, no one liked to smell bad; the stench of cigarettes and alcohol was always repulsive. Secondly, avoiding smoking indoors showcased one''s good manners.


    At this moment, Lynch, standing by the window, shook his head. "I don''t need any loans at the moment. You know, someone has invested in my business."


    He had already deposited the check given by Mark into his ount. Eight hundred thousand was no small amount, enough to attract the attention of some bank employees who loved gossip. Naturally, Joegleman was also aware of this and knew some behind-the-scenes details.


    The investors had publicly imed they could value Lynch''s Interster Trading Company at seventy million, aiming to hype their shares in advance. This wasmon in business.


    Valuations were always "estimated." Subsequent negotiations would quickly reduce this "valuation," leading to a more reasonable entry price. This information was kept within a small circle, as it concerned everyone''s interests, and they wouldn''t disclose it.


    Publicly, they would still assert that thepany''s market value would reach seventy million in three to five years. Shares they bought for a few million could multiply in value instantly.


    Sometimes, business operations were this simple; a few words could generate millions in revenue.Even if the price would be lowered, they could still sell for at least a few million. Lynch had roughly one hundred seventy to eighty thousand raised from Joegleman, Mark''s eight hundred thousand, the soon-to-be-received millions, and the two-million-worthnd. He had achieved a significant transformation in a short time.


    Was that a miracle?


    No, it was merely amazing but not miraculous. The financial stock and securities market over the past two years was the true miracle.


    The two quickly finished their cigarettes. Before parting, Joegleman discreetly reminded Lynch not to acquire any industrial assets in the near future, a parting gift from their recent coboration.


    If the financial market copsed, all wealth-linked industries, including the real sector, would suffer devastating blows. Buying industrial assets now would be prepaying for others'' failures. It was better to wait until they go bankrupt and buy those expensive items at a lower price.


    The two returned to the conference, each blending into their social circles. Lynch''s return attracted some attention. This was a realistic world: the wealthy shone the brightest.


    Now that everyone knew Lynch had cash, naturally, some opportunists and legitimate businessmen would surround him.


    "Mr. Lynch, I heard your club is recruiting female athletes?" The speaker was a middle-aged gentleman in his forties, somewhat chubby but clean and fresh.


    His impable clothes emitted a faint fruity wood scent, not like perfume. In true high society, despite how mainstream society packaged perfume, it was still considered something only women of ill repute used to mask their gic shorings. At least, that was the belief in this world.


    However, they needed some fragrance to mask the strong body odors from their carnivorous diets, hence the need for aromatherapy.


    Generally, these people, excluding the nouveau riche, had special aroma rooms. When their schedules were set, the butler would arrange for maids to scent the clothes needed for banquets.


    Expensive spices would be lit and smothered, leaving only a faint fragrance without the smoky smell. This scent wouldn''tst long, but it was enough for a party or banquet. By thetter half of the social event, with the sense of smell dulled by alcohol and tobo, no one could discern any scent.


    Until now, many in high society, especially those from established families, still used this method. As for the future, they might appreciate the convenience of perfume, but for now, they didn''t.


    The gentleman seemed very interested in Lynch''s recruitment of female athletes. "Do we have any sports where women can participate?" he asked. No one around spoke, indicating this man held some status.


    "And you are...?" Lynch didn''t know this gentleman but didn''t mind someone introducing them, using it as a chance to make a connection.


    A man, about thirty-five or thirty-six, stepped forward. "This is Mr. Reynolds, a baron of Kazriel..." The pride on his face almost made Lynch think he was too.


    Of course, Lynch appropriately showed his "surprise," even though he had no idea where Kazriel was or if a baron was valuable there.


    "Baron Reynolds..." Lynch shook hands with the baron and then discussed the topic of interest. "As a young person, I''m a supporter of the women''s rights movement, but my stance might differ from most feminists."


    "I believe women should have equal status with men and take on more responsibilities. Only then will society truly recognize women''s status and rights, not just grant them privileges."


    "Rights without obligations won''t earn true respect for women."


    If it weren''t for the things he had in his belly, Lynch would undoubtedly glow with some kind of effect. Many femalepanions of the attendees looked his way, and Baron Reynolds nodded repeatedly, fully agreeing with Lynch.


    He pointed out the key part of Lynch''s speech. "Rights and obligations, you are absolutely right. I''m also a supporter of the women''s rights movement. Do you mean to recruit some female athletes into professional sports?"


    This topic immediately drew more attention. Some people with wine sses approached, curious about this.


    Lynch shook his head. "Although I don''t want to admit it, I must acknowledge that women''s physicality and fitness are clearly inferior to men''s in highlypetitive sports. I have no bias..."


    Everyone nodded. This was normal and factual, like domestic violence often involved husbands beating wives; it was rare to hear of wives beating husbands.


    "So I n to create professional sports for women, parallel to men''s, and have already received support from some local figures."


    Baron Reynolds couldn''t help but ask, "Do you mean women''s rugby?"


    Lynch nodded. "Including women''s rugby."


    This brought an excited expression to Baron Reynolds'' face, which puzzled Lynch. He even enthusiastically asked, "Can I participate?"


    "Yes, but you''ll need a professional club and a group of rtively professional athletes." Since he nned to promote this, and with feminist organizations backing him, Lynch didn''t want to make it superficial; it had to be formal.


    Actually, the state and federal feminist organizations were discussing this. They saw it as a significant historical advancement for the women''s movement. Before Lynch proposed professional women''s sports, they hadn''t realized that all professional sports in Baylor Federation were male-dominated. This was tant disrespect and discrimination against women.


    Thanks to Lynch, they noticed this issue. Moreover, he was even willing to initiate a women''s professional sports n, proving he was a staunch women''s rights advocate. They nned to award him an association medal to honor his exemry contributions to the women''s rights movement.


    Baron Reynolds naturally nodded. "Naturally. I will prepare for it. What should I..."


    Before they finished speaking, someone quietly announced, "The mayor is here."


    Baron Reynolds tilted his head slightly, and a secretary standing behind him quickly handed a business card to Lynch, who gave out one of his in return.


    They agreed to meet another time to discuss these matters and then focused on the mayor, returning to their seats.


    The mayor looked haggard, and understandably so. The unemployment rate had risen by another percentage point, and the Listoan Group had begun halting production. This meant approximately two to three percent more people may would lose their jobs. It was very likely that Sabin City''s unemployment rate would reach a frightening twenty percent in the fourth quarter.


    At that time, the city''s order might copse. Last night, the governor had a teleconference with all city mayors, instructing them to deploy police and federal militia immediately if riots urred. The state armed forces were also ready to provide military support anytime, anywhere.


    All this because, yesterday afternoon, a protest in another state''s city turned into a riot.


    The protesters, who had lost their jobs and were enduring hunger, suddenly began rioting, looting, and setting things on fires. The situation briefly spiraled out of control. In response, the President''s Cab and the Ministry of Defense issued a joint notice, urging local authorities to maintain security and stability, with the option to deploy military forces if necessary.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 155:

    Chapter 155:


    "I need some advice." The mayor standing at the podium rubbed his temples. "We''re facing increasing unemployment and worsening public safety in our city. Reports of violent crimes in neighboring cities are on the rise. If we can''t contain this, our city, built over decades, risks regressing to a primitive state!"


    Everyone knew destruction couldn''t bring prosperity¡ªonly construction could. But current circumstances were pushing some to desperate measures they''d rather avoid.


    If people could have food and clothing withoutmitting crimes, and still have some money left, the vast majority of people in this world would still choose to be good.


    However, the mayor''s words also raised eyebrows among some people because not long ago they had just donated money, yet now the mayor gathered them again to discuss how to save the city, creating the impression that he wanted to extract more money from their pockets.


    This feeling was unsettling; no one liked being extorted, even by the rightful ruler of the city.


    Silence filled the room. The mayor looked expectantly at the assembled, hoping for solutions. But his optimism seemed misced.


    No one spoke. They maintained gentlemanly postures, observing the mayor on the podium, feeling like mere ornaments brought together for show.


    The hope faded from the mayor''s face as he scanned the faces of everyone present. People avoided his gaze, denying him the answers he sought.


    This meeting was destined to fail from the beginning, a fact that could''ve been foreseen as early as Wednesday. When Lynch donated a hundred thousand bucks, forcing many others to contribute more, they already felt like they were being extorted.Afterward, whether they had conducted an investigation or not, some might''ve concluded that Lynch wasn''t a "nt" arranged by the mayor, but they still felt they were robbed.


    If this were a few years ago, three or five thousand bucks was something they could easilye up with anytime, anywhere. Back then, everyone still had plenty of money on hand.


    Nowadays, everyone was struggling financially, soing up with three to five thousand bucks was actually quite difficult; people were feeling the pinch from it.


    The purpose of the mayor gathering everyone again was clear to the people in this room¡ªthey knew what the mayor wanted. However, they were unwilling topromise anymore, at least not this time.


    Endlesspromises would only inte the mayor''s estimation of his influence. In reality, people weren''t that dependent on him anymore, especially now that they had a "role model."


    On Monday, Listoan Group''s stock price began plummeting, causing many to view it as intriguing news. Sometimes, the presence of such dominant corporations in a city wasn''t advantageous for smallerpanies.


    With upward channels mostly closed off, city hall favored policies benefiting the powerful local pirpanies rather than nurturing developing small enterprises.


    Only when this group copsed would mostpanies receive some new opportunities and policy favors. So they had been observing the spectacle, witnessing Listoan Group''s stock price plunge; some even sold their Listoan stocks in an attempt to elerate its downfall.


    This was also one of the reasons people were willing to shell out money on Wednesday. People had witnessed the frightening influence of the city hall as Listoan Group''s stock plummeted simply due to their superficial statements. It was said that even announcements from Neo and the board of directors couldn''t change this reality.


    Furthermore, after Listoan copsed, it would benefit businessmen in this city. They could acquire Listoan Group''s assets at low prices, which amounted to a significant profit for them. Therefore, even if reluctantly, they were willing to spend money to support the mayor''s actions.


    But now, things were slightly different. Neo had publicly announced intentions to withdraw Listoan''s operations from Sabin City and relocate headquarters to a Conservative Party''s territory in the neighboring state.


    The mayor of the neighboring state''s capital city also stated on Friday night that they would try to bring in external support to help their city through this difficult time. They promised the public that if the Listoan Group could reach an agreement and settle in their capital city, the Listoan Group would provide no fewer than three thousand jobs for themunity.


    This was just the initial stage. By next year or the year after, the number of jobs they could provide would exceed five thousand, which instantly thrilled the entire city''s residents.


    In fact, in the context of the current era, people''s needs were really simple: they wanted to avoid hunger and have a stable job, especially thetter.


    A job represented the stable livelihood of an entire family. Work was essential, and in times like those, nothing was more important than employment opportunities; absolutely nothing.


    However, looking at the situation now, it seemed that things might not have been as simple as people initially thought. Listoan might not have been without options; it was possible they had an exit strategy all along. This could have been why the mayor and governor expressed their dissatisfaction with them.


    The power of a role model was immense. Listoan''s experience had shown people that if they wanted to solve some of their problems, the best way was to turn to the Conservative Party. Now, the Conservative Party was facing the same troubles as the Progressive Party, but they were more approachable.


    People sat in the audience looking at the mayor, and the mayor looked at them in return. Eventually, the mayor had to speak first, which made him feel as if he had been humiliated, "I need you to provide more job positions..."


    "That''s not possible, Mr. Mayor!" Someone interrupted, grabbing everyone''s attention.


    Lynch couldn''t help but be curious about this brave soul who dared cut off the mayor during the meeting. What courage must he possess?


    The man was probably in his early thirties. He even took the initiative to stand up. He had a decent appearance, though not as good as Lynch''s.


    He was calm, not frantic, which indicated he knew what he was doing.


    He looked at the mayor and repeated his earlier words, "It''s impossible, Mr. Mayor! I run a small metal processing factory myself, employing twenty-seven workers. This is already thergest scale I can sustain."


    "Since the second half ofst year, it has been very difficult to sell the things I produce. Nevertheless, I have maintained this scale without change. I continue to pay wages to my workers, although some may consider paying them at the minimum hourly rate under thew to be hical. At least I ensure these workers still receive a monthly wage from me!"


    "Since May this year, I haven''t received a single penny in payments for three months. I can no longer sustain the factory or pay my workers'' wages. Let alone hire more workers, if I can''t find a solution by October, I''ll be forced to shut down the factory. So, providing more job opportunities is simply not feasible for me!"


    "And!" His voice suddenly rose, causing a shiver down the mayor''s spine. The mayor pursed his lips and fixed his gaze on the man, but the man still continued, "And, I believe the current issues in Sabin City cannot be solved simply by increasing job opportunities. Our problem lies in theck of market for our products. Mr. Mayor, as well as the state and federal governments, should be helping us find markets rather than burdening us with responsibilities we shouldn''t bear!"


    His words were lofty, resonating with Lynch and others. Apuse erupted, quickly spreading through the room, worsening the mayor''s already grim expression.


    In fact, much of what he said was true. If businesses couldn''t sell their products and earn profits or revenue, they couldn''t sustain employing workers. At a time like that, forcing factory owners and entrepreneurs to create new job positions was no different from taking their money by force.


    His words echoed the genuine sentiments of many businessmen present. Naturally, they supported him.


    The mayor stared at the man, taking note of his appearance. However, the man seemed unfazed by the mayor''s gaze, which was filled with what seemed like malice; he showed no signs of fear.


    This inevitably made the mayor specte about what might be behind him, perhaps he was part of arrangements made by the Listoan Group and Neo.


    The apuse soon subsided. They were well aware that if the apuse continued for too long, it might escte matters. However, they only wanted to express their stance, not confront the mayor.


    Not everyone could leave the city like the Listoan Group.


    While moving to another city might temporarily alleviate issues like worker sries, new cities posed tougherpetition and policy pressures. If they couldn''t influence the lives of the majority like the Listoan Group could, it was probably best for them not to leave.


    The mayor pinched his nose bridge, gesturing for the man to sit down, then apologized, "I overlooked the pressures you all face..."


    It was the closest he coulde to an apology, and everyone epted it readily.


    "Does anyone have any suggestions? I don''t expect anyone to solve problems even the President can''t, but we need some relief. Our situation is dire."


    Facing the mayor''s inquiry, silence persisted. At this moment, anyone with a solution would be at odds with the entire capitalistic ss of Sabin City.


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 Chapter 156:

    Chapter 156:


    <i>If breaking somews rted to workers could bring about more job opportunities, then...</i>


    The mayor quickly dismissed this thought from his mind. It was a risky move, especially given the current situation. Once someone destroyed the bond that represented the harmonious coexistence between the working ss and the capitalist ss, it was highly likely to result in more terrible consequences and bring about more dreadful impacts.


    Before reaching such extremes, the mayor had no intention of considering Lynch''s previous ideas. However, there was another idea worth considering¡ªthe export of goods.


    Now that the world war had ended, countries were rebuilding cities destroyed by the conflict. The war not only turned cities into ruins but also devastated infrastructure and ordinary factories.


    Everyone knew this was the prime time for international trade. Yet, it contradicted the istionist policies previously set by the president''s cab and the Conservative Party.


    They did not want trade actions to be seen as taking sides, which could be interpreted as alignment during wartime.


    During the war, naval forces of both camps always blockaded each other''s sea routes and even raided merchant ships in enemy waters.


    Until more advanced transportation methods were developed, maritime shipping remained the best way for long-distance transport, hands down. Sometimes, attacking merchant ships proved more effective than destroying a warship.


    This highlighted a situation: trade could be seen as taking sides.But now that the world war was over, there was no need for istionism. Opening up international trade was the need of the hour. However, the president''s cab seemed to have a different perspective.


    This might be an opportunity, the mayor thought. Perhaps he could use these matters as a means to attack the Conservative Party''s policies, attracting some of the wavering public to his side...


    He was thinking ahead, but soon refocused on the immediate tasks at hand.


    Mark''s factory had already begun purchasing raw materials from nearby farms and ranches. The agricultural and pastoral industries were indeed the most resilient industries, without a doubt. People always needed food, and as long as that demand existed, their agricultural products would find buyers.


    Unlike the products made by these fools, which end up piled in warehouses with no one interested, unable to sell even at a discount.


    Food stamps were almost printed out, but these were not fundamental solutions to the problem. Only by providing people with jobs could it stabilize people''s lives. The mayor''s gaze then settled on Lynch. This time, Lynch noticed and smiled, nodding respectfully at the mayor.


    The mayor nodded slightly in response, acknowledging Lynch''s gesture.


    The meeting,sting over an hour, ended without much enthusiasm. In thetter part of the meeting, some people put forward worthless suggestions¡ªlike proposing the abolition of various taxes from now on and refunding previously paid taxes¡ªto alleviate financial pressures and sustain their businesses longer.


    Yes, the meeting had shifted from solving social issues and creating more jobs to capitalists discussing how to keep their businesses afloat longer and gain more benefits from the government.


    With no constructive ideas forting, the mayor abruptly ended this farce of a meeting. However, the impact of this fruitless meeting began quietly spreading throughout the entire city.


    After the meeting, Baron Reynolds found Lynch again. He was quite interested in forming a women''s rugby team, and Lynch also needed someone like him. Indeed, establishing a women''s rugby team could be seen as creating job opportunities for society, which was a good thing.


    He specifically invited Baron Reynolds to his club to discuss further details. It also gave him a chance to meet the new coaching team.


    Around three-thirty, they arrived at the club. To Lynch''s surprise, there was a long queue outside the club, consisting of both men and women. Manager Kane had been waiting by the roadside early. When he saw Lynch''s luxury car approaching, he promptly stepped forward and opened the door for him as soon as the car came to a stop.


    "Boss..."


    After Lynch got out and straightened his clothes, he inquired about the queue of people on the roadside. "What''s going on?"


    Kane scratched his head. "We''re recruiting athletes..."


    The current situation at the club was that Kane had assembled a coaching team from a top university''s rugby program. The head coach of this program felt underutilized in university leagues and sought broader horizons in professional rugby.


    Every year, many coaches entertained simr aspirations, but most never realized them. Sessful clubs had stable coaching staff, and unless irreconcble conflicts arose between the coaches and managers, they would normally remain stable.


    Moreover, professional sports clubs, whether in rugby or other sports, rarely took chances on unproven coaching staff from non-professional leagues. No one would want to bet hundreds of thousands or even millions of bucks on a group of beginners.


    The professional league and the university league werepletely different concepts, although university league coaches would think they were simr.


    Thus, despite their aspirations, these coaches often found themselves teaching at universities because no one was willing to give them a chance.


    After the news spread through the Athletes'' Association that Sabin City was nning to establish a new professional club, some coaching teams looking to advance themselves started to express their interest. This was also the inevitable path from a small circle to arger one.


    Many excellent coaches started at the lowest leagues or served as assistant coaches to professional coaches. Among many rmendations, Kane had found one he thought promising and informed Lynch.


    Previously, Lynch had indicated that if Kane thought it was good, he could proceed without needing Lynch''s approval. Lynch was well aware that he knew little about these matters and would onlyplicate things if he interfered. So he decided to delegate authority to Kane.


    As a seasoned club manager, Kane knew how to wield his authority effectively.


    This delegation made Kane reflect. At least he felt Lynch wasn''t using club revival as a facade; he genuinely intended to revive it. Otherwise, Lynch wouldn''t grant him such significant authority.


    However, only until Lynch asked Kane what happened did he suddenly remember that he had forgotten to inform Lynch. Feeling anxious, he quickly exined the reason.


    In fact, the reason was simple: the budget currently given to Kane from Lynch wasn''t sufficient for them to directly acquire professional athletes. Even in a sluggish market, the transfer price for a rtively ordinary professional rugby yer started at tens of thousands.


    The idea of quickly building apetitive team through direct purchases wasn''t practical. It required an investment of over a million bucks to maintain a second-rate professional team, an amount Lynch wasn''t willing to spend for potentially mediocre results.


    For a top-tier team, the transfer funds alone needed to exceed three million, not to mention sries for substitutes and yers.


    So, Kane and the coaching team decided to recruit young, promising ordinary workers as yers under the guise of training partners. They would thenpete against local and nearby university league teams to identify the best candidates.


    This was a n devised by the head coach, who had some renown in university leagues. His connections made him suitable for this task, and Kane agreed it was a good approach.


    They needed to finalize a rough lineup before the September start of the school year. Hence, they advertised in newspapers, resulting in a flood of applicants.


    This reflected people''s current concerns about their future lives and their current situations. Despite being a low-paying training role, the sidewalk was lined with applicants. A rough estimate showed at least two to three hundred people in line, with more continually joining while holding newspapers.


    Reynolds had already gotten out of the car and overheard Kane''s exnation. Curiously, he asked when Kane had finished exining, "Is recruiting for the women''s rugby team the same?"


    Kane didn''t know Reynolds. But after Lynch introduced him, he immediately understood Lynch''s intent and nodded hastily, "We''re focusing on young, healthy, energetic, and attractive girls for the women''s team. After all, we all like attractive girls..."


    Reynolds listened intently, seemingly genuinely interested. Lynch couldn''t tell if Reynolds was just ying around or if there was more to his interest.


    The group then entered the club. Upon hearing that the club''s owner had arrived, the head coach of the coaching team promptly excused himself from work.


    At just over forty, the head coach was in his prime. His previous title as a champion coach in university leagues had spurred his desire to move into the professional circuit.


    The professional and university league circles were entirely different. Not only in terms of athletes but also in administrative management. Simply put, investors, the owners, held absolute power, followed by the club managers, with coaches often ranking below star yers in status.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 157:

    Chapter 157:


    "Mr. Lynch!" After briefly registering surprise at Lynch''s youthful appearance, the newly hired coach quickly approached, firmly grasped Lynch''s extended hand, and shook it enthusiastically twice. "Your youth and aplishments really make me feel ashamed of myself!"


    This coach was skilled in conversation, choosing to self-deprecate and downy himself to highlight Lynch''s remarkable achievements at such a young age, rather than directly praising him. It was an effective and pleasing form of ttery. Kane, standing nearby, nced at the enthusiastic and cheerful head coach and couldn''t help but think of the unofficial introduction given by the Athletes'' Association''s officials¡ªthis was a tyrant of a coach.


    But reality proved that even tyrants would lower their heads when they had needs.


    Of course, the coach''s words weren''t entirely ttery. Everyone knew that running a professional club was an expensive endeavor. Even though their team didn''t yet have any star yers and wasposed of ordinary individuals, it was still very costly.


    Every yer''s equipment and expenses amounted to a substantial sum, and adding the costs of venue maintenance and staff sries, even without a single star yer, Lynch had to face varying monthly expenses from tens of thousands to several tens of thousands.


    In the head coach''s eyes, Lynch''s age likely meant he hadn''t even attended university yet. To have achieved such aplishments and to run a professional club at such a young age, whether due to his background or his ability to build something from scratch, was indeed worthy of respect.


    "Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mordoc, but you can call me Mo or Momo." Momo was a nickname, but it hid another title he was known by¡ªtyrant.


    Lynch nodded slightly. "Coach Mordoc..." He nced at the people lined up by the roadside, looking at them curiously, and then asked, "How did the selection go?"


    Mordoc nodded with some satisfaction. "We''ve picked a decent bunch of boys. As long as they don''t ck off, they''ll quickly adapt to this sport. As for the girls..." He nced at Lynch and the curious Reynolds beside him, "Perhaps, boss, you can give me some advice."It was a clever answer. Reynolds immediately looked at Lynch, clearly interested. Lynch didn''t refuse and nodded in agreement. He also called Fox and his son, asking them toe over.


    Fox and his son wanted to form a women''s rugby team as well. This was a good opportunity for them to understand the selection and coaching process, serving as a warm-up.


    Before long, everyone was seated in the office. After reviewing the selection process for the women, Lynch quickly called a halt.


    Mordoc simply assumed Lynch needed an excuse to surround himself with pretty girls, underestimating Lynch''s broader vision. However, professional women''s rugby wasn''t Lynch''s yground for seeking beauties; it served another purpose.


    Among the girls who came for the interview, many were indeed pretty, but they seemed too delicate to survive a season in a high-intensity, collision-heavy sport.


    "Boss, do you really intend to have these girlspete on the field?" Mordoc looked at Lynch incredulously, feeling that this handsome young man had a streak of... bloodlust, or something else, within him.


    It was hard to imagine a bunch of pretty girls running around in protective gear, colliding with each other. This world had no term like "flower losing its color" to describe such a shocking scene, but one could still imagine it.


    Since the invention of this sport, no one had considered letting girls join in.


    Even male athletes often get injured during games¡ªrib fractured and shinbone broken weremonce. A simple collision could break several bones; those girls definitely couldn''t handle it.


    "Coach Mordoc, I must remind you, this is prejudice against women." Lynch slightly criticized him from a high moral ground. "The Women''s Rights Protection Association is very interested in the women''s professional sports I initiated. They might frequentlye here to watch matches and training closely, so you need to change your mindset."


    Mordoc promptly apologized for his thoughts. His humble attitude stemmed from the club still being in a phase of adjustment. Lynch seemed a bit hard to get along with, but he usually didn''t meddle in affairs.


    Kane usually managed things, and he was easy to talk to. Mordoc felt he could work with Kane for a long time.


    Furthermore, he had left his job at the university with his team. If he fell out with Lynch now, he and his assistant coaches would have nowhere to go in the short term.


    The professional league season wasn''t over; no one would switch coaches midway. The university enrollment season was about to start, and renewals had been signed, leaving no positions avable for him. If he didn''t want to starve for a year or more or faceints from his assistants, the best way was to integrate into this club, which was his initial dream.


    Lynch raised his hand to signal Mordoc''s excessive caution and discussed the ideal candidates for the sport. "I''ve talked with people from the Women''s Rights Protection Association about these issues. Maybe we could initiate an open selection to pick suitable girls from the city for the interview."


    "Our target group is educated, cultured, healthy, beautiful, and sunny girls..." He looked at Fox Junior. "Can you draft a n for me? I''ll discuss it with the Women''s Rights Protection Association. It''s best to focus on female university students."


    Women with higher education were more likely to embrace this concept and pursue equal rights with men. Importantly, if these women could afford university, it indicated they came from affluent families that could support women''s rights movements financially if needed.


    It was the first time Lynch directly instructed Fox Junior, but neither Old Fox and his son had any objections. The former even nodded in agreement. "I''lle up with a n as soon as possible."


    Fox Junior majored in management in university, and nning projects was part of his studies, making it easy for him.


    After discussing some details, Lynch, Kane, and Mordoc left, leaving Reynolds and the Foxes to findmon topics for conversation.


    Lynch and his group went to see the selected young men, who would be the backbone of the club.


    The young men were somewhat apprehensive about Mordoc, a strict interviewer who liked to "get hands-on." There was an indescribable emotion because Mordoc''s method of assessing their physical attributes through direct touch seemed odd. Despite the explosion of various sports today, gender orientation issues remained a serious topic.


    This actually wasn''t hard to understand. Women''s rights movements garnered social support partly because many religions had female gods holding important roles, such as goddesses of war.


    But in faith and religion, gods, even if fetishists, wouldn''t have orientation issues, leaving society with ack of foundation in this area.


    The young men were uneasy about Mordoc''s touch.


    These were very robust young men with bulging muscles. Mordoc was enthusiastic when talking about them, "Their physiques and muscle development are more well-rounded than those of athletes who have undergone rigid training in university."


    "This means they''re more malleable. Once they understand and master rugby rules, they can quickly start ying!"


    Standing outside the group, Mordoc hesitated and then assured Lynch, "Barring any idents, our club should be able to return to professionalpetition next year."


    The Athletes'' Association also hosted a semi-professional amateur league alongside various professional leagues. Finishing in the top three would qualify for the lowest level of the continental professional league. This goal didn''t seem difficult for Mordoc to achieve.


    Currently, there were only 22 teams in the amateur league, significantly fewer than before, likely due to the economic downturn causing many amateur clubs to close, making it easier for amateur teams to push into the professional league.


    Moreover, many amateur teams had no ns to enter the professional league. Joining the professional league would mean higher expenses, even if they didn''t raise the sry standards for these "professional athletes." Simply traveling for matches would be a financial burden.


    After looking at these young men, Lynch had some thoughts. "We need at least threeplete teams, using internalpetition to vie for a spot on the official team. I trust you''re the expert and understand what I mean."


    Mordoc nodded, understanding the need for talent reserves. He nodded again, although he didn''t fully grasp Lynch''s deeper intentions.


    Lynch''s purpose wasn''t merely talent reserves but also to restrain the potential rising wages. Once some yers became irreceable, their pride would gradually turn into arrogance, and they''d start demanding more, such as higher sries.


    Constantpetition would make them aware that their jobs and sries were not secure, and they were receable. As soon as they raised demands, someone else would take their ce.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 158:

    Chapter 158:


    Lynch had been extremely busy these past few days. After inspecting the club and seeing off a very excited baron, Reynolds, Fox and his son informed him that James hadpleted his script.


    It was a script perfectly tailored to the needs of "modern people"¡ªaliens, gore, beauties, and a continuous stream of thrilling plotlines. Just by looking at the script alone, Old Fox and his son already realized how terrible the previous script from Fox Junior''s alumni had been; it was clear they were simply trying to scam money, just as Lynch had said.


    James'' script also included a lot of storyboard shots, a scriptwriting style that was bing increasingly popr. In the past, many scripts contained only simple text descriptions.


    However, with the increasing me-shifting behind the scenes of more and more failed movies, screenwriters had undoubtedly be the most severely affected group. No matter whose fault it was, the responsibility could always be pushed onto the screenwriters.


    If the director failed to make a good movie, it could be said that the scriptcked depth in expression.


    If the actor performed poorly, it could be imed that the script didn''t adequately shape the character.


    Even if the costume design was unsatisfactory, the makeup artist could say they were following the script''s requirements.


    As a result, more and more screenwriters started to incorporate their own ideas into the scripts. They would add storyboard shots to express their perspective on certain scenes, and they would include character designs to prove that sometimes it wasn''t their description that was inurate, but the makeup artist''s interpretation that was wrong.


    In short, it was a good script, and they nned to start recruiting actors.This was just a low-budget film. However, since Lynch was one of the shareholders and investors, Old Fox and his son naturally needed to discuss the relevant details with him. Regarding this, Lynch simply indicated that they could proceed with the n, which also involved an open audition.


    Perhaps due to the economic downturn, there was a surge in beauty contests, bodybuildingpetitions, and even tabletop games bing popr overnight.


    Even in Sabin City, a second-tier city, rted clubs began to appear. This gave a contradictory yet harmonious feeling.


    People started spending more time in front of TVs and ying games. From Monday, the city hall began distributing food and supply stamps to the families affected by unemployment, which quickly stabilized the city''s anxiety and noticeably improved public safety.


    It seemed people gradually epted this lifestyle without worrying about survival since the government provided food stamps, and the TV stations also added free channels starting this month; some people were content to stay at home in front of their TVs.


    Various simple-dressed beauties, muscr men, and shiny bodies covered in oil appeared on TV, providing a stark visual impact that upied much of people''s time. Fitness seemed to be a trendy topic.


    Some unemployed individuals, inspired by TV shows, started exercising using simple tools they had on hand, turning them into fitness equipment and sweating in their spare time.


    In this rapidly spreading social trend, aside from men''s well-toned bodies, women''s bodies also became the focal point of attention.


    Women hadn''t long held the right to wear short skirts in the face of societal norms, yet they began appearing in the simplest clothing, undoubtedly drawing a lot of attention.


    Whenever these bodybuilding and beauty contests aired, viewership ratings soared.


    During this period, there was even an amusing news story about a female bodybuilding enthusiast who broke up with her boyfriend, causing a media stir.


    Her boyfriend tearfullyined to the media that even after dating for over half a year, she had shown him less than what she revealed on TV.


    Though there were some amusing news stories, they couldn''t shake the pulse and trends of the times. Some things were bing popr in ways that defiedmon sense, such as hair removal.


    After a week of preparation, Old Fox and his son reached an agreement with Sabin City Television. They nned to broadcast the open audition for the female lead of their movie on TV. For this, the TV station agreed to provide a broadcasting fee of a few thousand bucks.


    However, all advertising and rted fees during the broadcast would go towards the TV station.


    Another weekend arrived. Lynch sat in the living room, marking up a crossword puzzle in the newspaper. Recently, crossword puzzles had be incredibly popr, even overshadowing some national board gamepetitions.


    Some local newspapers, aiming to boost sales, offered rewards to the first hundred readers whopleted thetest crossword puzzle. This causedrge crowds to gather outside newspaper offices, solving puzzles on the spot whenever a new issue was released. Crossword puzzles started gaining widespread poprity.


    Despite being a small game, it unexpectedly became a craze throughout the Baylor Federation. Every week, TV stations would dedicate an hour to exin how to solve these crossword puzzles.


    Entertainment was rapidly spreading in an unprecedented manner. Many people hadn''t realized this was entertainment and the entertainment industry until it silently infiltrated their lives.


    In front of the television, Lynch watched as the host on the screen narrated the crossword puzzle disyed on the background board. He then wrote down a "standard answer" in the crossword grid of the newspaper in his hands.


    This was the standard answer for the previous issue''s crossword puzzle. Each week, when a new issue was released, the TV station would announce the answers from the previous week. After jotting and sketching on the newspaper, Lynch nodded in satisfaction. He felt a sense of aplishment uponpleting the crossword puzzle game.


    It wasn''t long ago, justst month, that crossword puzzles weren''t this popr. But starting this month, they became increasingly attractive, likely due to the cash rewards for the first hundred correct entries offered by newspapers.


    In the current society, any way to earn extra ie would quickly be popr, much like beauty and bodybuilding contests. The primary reason for their poprity, aside from people''s curiosity about the opposite sex''s bodies, was the substantial cash prizes.


    For instance, the live broadcast of the open audition for the female lead, which had already be the most-watched program in Sabin City, also had a solid viewership in surrounding areas and the state. It wasn''t just men watching; women watched too, wanting to know what made the lucky girl better than themselves, giving them the courage to participate in simr future events.


    There were also on-site audiences who often whistled to express their excitement. The girls, letting go of their reserve, showed their best sides, though they all wore proper clothing without revealing anything inappropriate.


    This was possibly one of the most anticipated local events in Sabin City, alongside the women''s rugby team''s open tryouts, though thetter wasn''t as popr as the movie''s female lead audition. Overall, it made people aware of these happenings.


    However, what audience didn''t seem to know was that the female lead had already been decided, and Lynch had also met the girl.


    She was a neen-year-old who had starred in two adult films. Like most girls entering this industry, it was for money.


    She came from an ordinary family with four siblings. The family could only afford their education up to high school, after which they had to find their own way.


    This was amon phenomenon in society; people had to n their future after high school, moving out and finding a job, eventually bing part of society without fame or status, merely existing in the background when the term "society" was mentioned.


    This society could be quite unfair at times because there were not many job opportunities avable for girls, and they frequently encountered harassment.


    After trying two office jobs, the girl decisively chose to enter the art world.


    She had a youthful, attractive appearance and a good figure, but her two adult films had only average reception, and the productionpany didn''t sign a new contract with her.


    In this industry, there were many girls like her, and recently, even more, increasingpetition¡ªeven in taking off clothes,petition was fierce. But that was the reality.


    Every day, new girls awaited to be discovered. If a girl couldn''t quickly gain sales in the adult film industry, producers would give opportunities to others, as they too were struggling.


    However, Old Fox and his son still chose her. One reason was her appearance met James'' requirements¡ªJames was also a judge. Secondly, she had no objections to renewing and transferring contracts.


    Thus, with Lynch''s final decision, the girl got what many considered a dubious opportunity.


    Adult movie producers had already contacted Old Fox and his son, willing to pay a sum to buy out the girl''s next five unrestricted movies contract. However, Lynch advised Old Fox and his son to wait a bit longer.


    As Lynch watched the girlspeting on TV, knowing they were destined to fail, the phone rang. The maid brought the phone to him and then left the living room.


    Joegleman''s voice came through, sounding tired but bearing good news. Lynch''snd had a new buyer.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 159:

    Chapter 159:


    The three people arranged to meet at akeside vi. On the outskirts of Sabin City, there was arge naturalke. Years ago, a real estate developer recognized the scenic beauty and development potential of this area, purchased a sunlit section of thend, and built a high-end vimunity around theke.


    Initially, the developer didn''t n to sell all his vis immediately. Given the situation in the past few years, the price ofkeside vis would only appreciate due to the environment and affluent neighbors.


    Some vis were sold to notable individuals at rtively reasonable prices as a favor, while the others remained under his control, waiting for the property prices to gradually increase.


    He also rented out the vacant vis, promoting them with the slogan "Spend holidays boating on theke with your family and get close to nature," turning some vis into short-term rental properties for wealthy middle-ss families looking for an outdoor retreat.


    This real estate developer had a very keen eye. During those years when the scenery was beautiful, the ce was almost always crowded on weekends, and an economic atmosphere naturally developed around the vimunity.


    Food trucks would gather here starting every Thursday, providing cheap food or renting out equipment and materials for outdoor barbecues and cooking for those enjoying their weekend.


    But now...


    The walls still had some remnants of torn paper and adhesive, and asionally, faded gs could be seen in the treetops.


    The ce had a deste, abandoned feel to it. The streets werepletely empty, and even the houses that had been sold appeared particrly rundown due to ack of maintenance.In the guardhouse at the entrance, there was a security guard who looked to be in his forties or fifties, with already white hair, dozing off. He didn''t even hear the sound of the car engine.


    Undoubtedly, this ce was done for. The vimunity, once touted as an investment that could support three generations, was now dead.


    The driver honked the horn a few times, startling the security guard awake. He stood up abruptly, looked around, and only remembered his job when his eyes focused on the car outside the barrier.


    The barrier lifted, and the car slowly drove in. The guard, ovee with drowsiness again, fell back into a heavy sleep.


    "You arrived earlier than I expected."


    When Lynch knocked on the door of vi number "006," Joegleman immediately came out to greet him. Perhaps because he had tidied up a bit, the vi didn''t seem as lifeless and had a touch of warmth.


    This was Joegleman''s vi. As the head of bank loan services, he had maintained good rtionships with real estate developers. Today, Lynch was meeting with the developer of thisnd, which was why they chose this location.


    On one hand, it was to show Lynch their strength; on the other, it was to evoke some sympathy. These goals were not contradictory.


    Lynch smiled, shook hands with Joegleman, and walked into the room.


    The spatialyout of the entire house was quite good, very spacious and bright, with ample natural light. When the sunlight shone through the ss into the room, it gave a magnificent and resplendent feeling.


    Of course, there were also shading devices outside. In the summer, which was now, they would be effective, keeping the sunlight out while the inside remained bright.


    "What would you like to drink?" Joegleman asked as he walked to the bar.


    Lynch nced around and casually said, "Coffee."


    Since they still had business to discuss, he thought it was inappropriate to drink alcohol. Joegleman quickly made a cup of coffee for him, exining slightly, "I don''t know how to use a grinder, so this is instant coffee. I hope you don''t mind."


    Instant coffee, made from pre-prepared coffee powder packets, was not easy to control in terms of quality. Some people found that instant coffee tasted impure and could have a noticeable sourness due to improper roasting.


    Lynch nodded indifferently. He wasn''t there to taste coffee. After they sat down for a few moments, Joegleman began to introduce the buyer.


    The buyer, who was a real estate developer, had lost quite a bit of money recently. However, he had found a new project. Although this project didn''t make money quickly, it had the advantage of being stable, and many people were interested in it.


    Currently, many funds within the Federation were like headless flies, seeking reliable projects to safely weather the economic downturn.


    Sometimes, simply presenting a n could quickly attract investment.


    This situation led to an increase in scams, including Fox Junior''s alumni, who were essentially scammers. They would pitch a lousy script and im that investing in them would yield doubled profits. It seemed like a foolish scam, but many fell for it.


    Time passed quickly in silence. About ten minutester, a middle-aged man who looked about thirty-eight or forty walked in,ughing heartily.


    He had an average build, not fat but with broad shoulders, and a face resembling heroic characters in movies, giving him a "righteous" look.


    With meticulously groomed hair and a few but exquisite essories, this was a man who paid great attention to detail.


    "Hart, nice to meet you, Mr. Lynch." Before Joegleman could introduce them, Hart had already introduced himself and firmly shook Lynch''s hand.


    "Lynch, nice to meet you too, Mr. Hart." Lynch smiled warmly and matched his enthusiasm. If Joegleman didn''t know it was their first meeting, he would have thought they were old friends reuniting.


    After they released their hands, both men sat down, and Joegleman fetched a ss and some wine for Hart. As the host of the house, it was only natural for him to provide services.


    The two men casually chatted about the current situation in Sabin City, inevitably touching on the poor economic conditions.


    As they talked, Hart sighed, feeling somewhat mncholic and reflective. "Mr. Lynch, you must have seen the situation outside when you arrived, right?"


    From the moment Hart entered and sat down, Lynch had been observing him. What intrigued Lynch was that Hart didn''t seem shocked by his youth nor did he belittle him for it. This was quite interesting.


    Lynch nodded and echoed, "Indeed, it looks almost abandoned."


    Hart bitterly recounted his failed investment. It wasn''t his fault; no one could have predicted the current situation. Evenrge corporations with many think tanks couldn''t avoid falling into the trap.


    "I have a new n now and am very interested in thend you own. To be honest, I might not be able toe up with a lot of cash right away..." As he spoke, Joegleman brought over a ss of wine and handed it to him.


    After thanking Joegleman and taking a sip, Hart continued sincerely, "I n to develop a new residential area on yournd. The presidential cab passed a new bill this week encouraging developers to build ¡®affordable housing'' with policies and subsidies!"


    This bill was genuine. Given the current economic pressure on Federal citizens, many families had to sell their houses to sustain their lives.


    Once they lost their homes, they would be homeless, wandering from ce to ce.


    Not only would they be unsafe, but society would also be unsafe with arge number of homeless people on the streets.


    When people started to hate and resent their current situation, some would easily turn to crime.


    Experts and schrs from the presidential cab, the Conservative Party, the Progressive Party, and the Socialist Party concluded that this economic downturn would likelyst a long time. Before finding a way out, the first step was to ensure every citizen''s rights, and building affordable housing for such people was a good solution.


    Studies and surveys showed that when a family had even a temporary private space that couldn''t be easily infringed upon, their social stability would significantly increase.


    Developers building affordable housing would be exempt from allnd use fees,pletely tax-free, and receive additional tax credits and a series of policy supports, including long-term government subsidies.


    More importantly, the various standards for these affordable housing would be appropriately rxed. For example, the per capita space could be smaller, allowing the area that could only amodate one apartment to fit one and a half or even two.


    The government would cover part of the rent and expenses for each resident. More families in less space meant more subsidies, making it a profitable deal.


    At least for now, this business could work. There was no need to worry about that deal being a loss; it was just that the profit woulde more slowly. But in the current economic environment, as long as it could be profitable, who cared if it was slow?


    Lynch nodded asionally. It was indeed a good business. With local government cooperation, even homeless people could move into these affordable housing.


    Moreover, Mr. Hart wouldn''t need to sell his houses but just rent them out. When the economy recovered, and property prices rose, he could sell these apartments. After living there for at least four or five years, the residents would likely be eager to buy them.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 160:

    Chapter 160:


    "I don''t have much money. Part of it needs to be used for the preliminary construction of the apartment..."


    Hart didn''t lie or exaggerate his current situation. Whether good or bad, he simply told the truth: he had no money, and that was indeed the case.


    "But thend you have is very important to me," he said sincerely, so sincerely that he didn''t seem like a businessman, let alone a real estate developer. After all, those kinds of people rarely spoke so honestly.


    When they were negotiating business, they would often show an indifferent attitude, as if they didn''t care whether they got the deal or not, and sometimes they weren''t very reasonable.


    Hart maintained eye contact with Lynch, not avoiding his gaze, as if to prove his current situation.


    "I''ve prepared two proposals. I wonder if you''d be interested in hearing them?"


    Lynch nodded, "Of course, otherwise why would I be here?"


    Hart seemed relieved by Lynch''s response and began to exin his proposal.


    "The first proposal, I can pay you about..." he paused, "about six hundred thousand in cash. The rest can be converted into a stake in this project. We''ll have a detailed evaluation meetingter to assess the total investment, and you''ll get shares based on the proportion."This was a fairlymon method of cooperation, akin to technical equity investment. When others couldn''t ignore the essential conditions he held, they could incorporate this into the total investment to upy a certain proportion of investment. This method was quitemon and widespread.


    Lynch didn''t say yes or no after listening. After leaving some time for him to think, Hart started to exin the second proposal.


    "The second proposal is simpler. I can exchange equivalent shares of mypany for thend you hold..."


    This was also amon practice, especially amongrgepany mergers. Therger thepany, the tighter the cash flow pressure, but they also had this demand, such as acquiring otherpanies. This method could effectively solve the financial pressure.


    Hart''s second proposal was simr to that. He offered Lynch part of hispany''s shares in exchange for thend, and he believed this was a good proposal.


    With the start of this project, the value of hispany would significantly increase. Lynch would essentially make money twice with hisnd.


    After proudly introducing hispany, Hart looked expectantly at Lynch, thinking Lynch would choose the second proposal. It was obvious. After all, he had sessfully used this proposal to attract more supporters and investors.


    Lynch, however, didn''t answer immediately but asked a question, "Is mynd really that important to you and yourpany?" He seemed thoughtful, "You could choose some more remotend; the price would be lower, and your development costs would be smaller."


    Hart was taken aback for a moment. He didn''t expect Lynch to ask such an unrted question. He realized that the two proposals he had prepared might not be among Lynch''s choices.


    Based on the principle of sincerity, he exined the advantages of Lynch''snd.


    "Thatnd is next to the city center. If we calcte the distance in a straight line, we could say it''s practically in the city center."


    Both Hart, Lynch, and Joegleman couldn''t help but chuckle. Developers loved using the term "Straight-line Distance," which could give the impression that two points were close together. However, the actual distance one might have to travel could be quite substantial. Imagine two banks of a river: the straight-line distance might only be a few meters. However, without a bridge, one could find themselves having to travel tens of kilometers to reach the other side.


    "Around it aremercial and residential areas. This area better meets people''s living needspared to other ces. I knownd outside the city is cheap, but people would rather live in the park than go outside the city."


    "The living environment, the surrounding environment, these affect the upancy rate of these apartments and whether they can be easily sold after the project ends. The closer to the city center, the easier it is to solve these issues, and the higher the financial subsidies."


    Hart seemed to hide nothing, directly stating the core reasons. Joegleman nodded frequently after hearing this, and Lynch also agreed.


    If the project was built on undevelopednd outside the city, the town hall could give them freend use rights, but who would want to live outside the city, and if these houses couldn''t be sold, they might lose money.


    The real profit from this project was in the final step: selling all the apartments at once after the project ended. Any reasonably minded person would understand that apartments near the city center would be much more desirable and valuable than those in the suburbs.


    It seemed there were no major problems. Lynch pondered for a while and looked at Joegleman''s house. His movements were noticeable, and Hart kept observing him.


    Joegleman dutifully remained neutral, not interfering with either side''s judgment, quietly sipping his drink.


    After a while, Lynch shifted his gaze back to Hart, calmly suggesting another proposal, "I''m not interested in investing in real estate at the moment, but I''m very interested in houses."


    "You know, I''m just an ordinary person, and ordinary people have an almost obsessive love for houses. I really like the houses here, maybe we can use these houses to offset the price."


    He then looked at Joegleman, "Mr. Manager, how much do you think these vis are worth now?"


    Joegleman was surprised by Lynch''s suggestion. He also personally favored the second proposal more. Thinking for a moment, he gave a fair price, as both sides were his friends, "About seventy to a hundred thousand, there are several specifications."


    Hart also nodded. That was roughly the price, but he had a different thought, "Joegleman, Lynch, you overlooked something. These already-built vis will appreciate after the economic downturn."


    "Four years ago, any house here was priced over two hundred thousand, even the smallest one. And..." he paused, "I got some news from the city hall that this area is likely to be designated as one of the city''s drinking water sources, which means no morerge-scale projects can be built nearby in the future."


    Currently, Sabin City''s drinking water didn''te from thiske but from a more distant artificialke. With the growing poption, the burden on drinking water also began to increase. The city hall had had such a n for a long time, but so far, no concrete steps had been taken to implement it. It was just a n, an intention. However, making it happen wasn''t actually difficult; this was precisely what capitalists excelled at.


    Lynch interrupted him without hesitation, "Mynd will also appreciate. We all know Sabin City is close to a million people, and the urban area will inevitably expand. By then, thatnd won''t just be ¡®near the city center'', it will be the city center."


    What Lynch said wasn''t wrong. However, Hart was somewhat disappointed by his answer, "Mr. Lynch, I can''t ept your terms. We all know this ce looks a bit shabby now, but it will eventually get better, just like the problems our society is facing."


    "Maybe five years, ten yearster, each house here will sell for at least three to four hundred thousand, or even more. I can''t ept your proposal."


    Lynch didn''t show much dissatisfaction, merely smiling and nodding, "Understandable, Mr. Hart. Business is like this, only when both sides reach a consensus can the deal proceed."


    Hart found it hard to ept. This was different from what he had envisioned beforeing, "Don''t you want to reconsider?"


    Lynch shook his head, "If you pay attention to recent trends, you''d know mypany was just valued at seventy million, with investors lining up to give me money. If it weren''t for my friendship with Mr. Joegleman, I wouldn''t have considered selling thisnd."


    "I agree with parts of your statement. The economy won''t stay depressed forever. Three years, five years, everything will improve. The foundation of the Federation is better than other countries, and we''ll recover faster."


    "You may think thatnd is worth one and a half to two million now, but I guarantee that ten yearster, even adding a zero, you wouldn''t be able to buy one-tenth of it."


    Lynch stood up, extending his hand, "Although we didn''t reach a deal, it was nice to meet you, Mr. Hart."


    He showed a desire to end the conversation, and Hart couldn''t persuade him otherwise. At this moment, persuading him would be like handing a knife to the other party and lying down on the chopping block. It seemed like they had to wait for the next time.


    "Likewise, Mr. Lynch."


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Lynch bid farewell to Joegleman and left.


    Hart was still a bit puzzled after Lynch left. He couldn''t help asking, "What''s valued at seventy million?"


    Joegleman sighed, feeling a mix of emotions, "His Interster Trading Company, the one that deals with second-hand goods and auctions."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 161:

    Chapter 161:


    "Another risk-taker." Hart couldn''t help but exim.


    Only Joegleman understood what Hart meant. In the past two years, "concepts" had be increasingly popr, and the investors in Bupayne were particrly fond of them.


    Out of a hundred "concepts," perhaps ny-nine would nevere to fruition. However, the possibility of just one bing a reality was enough to drive some people to invest madly in these mere ideas, much like the financial legend of "Sky Journey."


    To fly like birds must be an exhrating experience ¡ª a longing that humans often felt when they gazed up and saw birds soaring freely in the blue sky.


    Sky Journey, however, was a scam that preyed upon this very desire.


    It all started with someone presenting a series of design drafts, iming to have ovee various mechanical challenges and created a prototype capable of fulfilling humanity''s dream of soaring through the skies.


    As news spread about the potential to fly, bolstered by original design drafts and a vague ''documentary,'' thepany swiftly secured hundreds of millions in public funding. The deception was so convincing that even after the initiator confessed, many remained hesitant to ept it as a fraud.


    They preferred to believe it was a persecution orchestrated by the tycoons and capitalists who wanted to monopolize the opportunity to fly, creating this tragic ending.


    But the truth was it was indeed a scam. The so-called prototype and the video were both faked. Their forgery was just more sophisticated than others, and they took advantage of people''s yearning to fly, quickly amassing a huge amount of money.However, having too much money could sometimes be a bad thing. Initially, the initiator only intended to scam a few millions, then gradually dere his experiment a failure, having exhausted the investors'' money, and shamefully dere bankruptcy.


    In reality, he nned to transfer the money away and live a happy life under a false identity after a period of bankruptcy protection.


    But the design was so perfectly aligned with the fast-growing society''s restless pursuit of "freedom" that more and more capital flowed in, with many ordinary people also investing in the project.


    If his initial n had been exposed, he might have faced a few years in prison or even none at all. It was just a few million bucks after all. He could easily get away by simply staging a fewrge-scale crash scenes, and subsequent failures would have discouraged further investment.


    But billions in funds were different. By the time he calmed down from the surging amounts, he realized the magnitude of his trouble. It could mean a lifetime in prison.


    So he turned himself in. However, the copse of a myth gave rise to a legend, and this marked the beginning of an era of "concepts" that resembled fraud.


    As long as there was a concept, it could attract spectors and big funds. People indulged in this almost gambling-like game, unable to extricate themselves, which deeply troubled the old-school business people.


    They had worked hard for many years, or even a lifetime, only to find themselves outdone by someone else''s gimmick. But that was reality.


    Hart believed Lynch was such a person who toyed with "concepts." It was ying with fire, but he also envied Lynch''s wealth. He might have done little more than move his lips and secured arge investment.


    In contrast, Hart''s years of hard work had been wiped out by a single economic downturn, with reality pressing him down.


    Joegleman shook his head and chose not to exin further. He knew that no matter what he said now, Hart would not change his mind. It was better to wait until he calmed down to talk.


    Hart was actually good at seizing opportunities. After learning about the affordable housing policy, he immediately started preparing this project. If everything went as nned, he could earn millions or even tens of millions once the project waspleted.


    The tenants'' rent would be enough to cover the daily expenses of the entire apartment building, and the monthly government subsidy was no small amount. If the economic recessionsted long enough, the government subsidies alone would allow Hart and his team to break even.


    After that, selling these apartments would be pure profit. Moreover, they could hide other businesses under thispany and enjoy the same tax exemptions. So to outsiders, Hart was also someone who knew how to seize opportunities.


    But Lynch was different. Lynch was good at creating opportunities. For Lynch, the opportunities in his hands were firsthand, created essentially to serve himself, fitting him perfectly.


    It was like why the elite of society always sought out tailors that ordinary people had never heard of, or big-name designers to create styles for themselves. The ready-made sizes in stores were meant to fit everyone but never perfectly fit anyone.


    It couldn''t fit everyone''s body perfectly; it just amodated most people with simr body types. In the eyes of the upper-ss, those wearing non-handmade luxury brand clothes were no different from those wearing five-buck clothes from the street.


    Only fitting and tailored clothes would create the best effect. This was why Lynch could turn a small, unnoticed thing into something big, while Hart could not. He merely picked up on others'' leftover opportunities, then altered himself to fit those opportunities, unable to maximize benefits.


    Moving past this matter, Lynch, sitting in the car, began considering another auction to be held on Friday. They had set up a branch in Kund City ahead of time, selected a venue, and sent some goods there through Cook.


    This business, initiated by the mayor of Sabin City and endorsed by the governor, implemented across the state as a "policy," was generally untouchable. Because it would offend many people, other businessmen would only cooperate.


    This was why the speed of setting up the auction in Kund City elerated. The venue lease negotiations, initially at a stalemate, was quickly resolved, and they uniformly agreed to use the Kund City Gymnasium.


    Richard, who personally oversaw these arrangements, privately told Lynch that other cities'' venues were also nned to be gymnasiums. This was partly to give people a "unified" impression, elevating the auction''s ss and specifications, and partly because gymnasiums were more suitable.


    Lynch had been busytely, leaving these matters to Richard. He only cared about the results, not the process.


    Calcting the time, there were only a few days left before the auction. Additionally, with the school season approaching in September, he nned to go to Kund City with Katherine to help her settle in.


    The next day, having made his decision, Lynch slightly adjusted his schedule and called Katherine. When the slightly breathless voice of the girl came through the receiver, Lynch couldn''t help but chuckle.


    He knew why Katherine was panting. Katherine''s house was about forty or fifty meters from the phone booth, and including the stairs, she must have run very fast.


    Hearing Lynch''s chuckles, the girl immediately knew who it was on the other end. She casually asked about the purpose of Lynch''s call and then agreed to his arrangement.


    In fact, even if Lynch hadn''t thought of these things, she had nned to go to Kund City early to familiarize herself. Her university life couldn''t be confined to the school; she would need to explore the city, understanding which ces to visit and which to avoid.


    Every city in the Baylor Federation had areas filled with violence and crime, which normal people would steer clear of.


    She was genuinely happy that Lynch had also thought of this. After agreeing on the time, she hurried back home to start packing.


    Her mother, a bit surprised, stood outside Katherine''s bedroom holding a carrot as thick as her forearm, watching her busy in the room. She couldn''t help but ask, "Where are you going?"


    Carrots were one of the three mostmon foods in ordinary households, along with potatoes and cheap chicken meat. However, as chicken usually came pre-cut with some bone fragments and was slightly more expensive than vegetables, not everyone liked it.


    "To Kund. School''s starting soon, but I need time to get used to it. I''m a bit nervous¡­" She paused her packing and turned to the old woman at the door. "I''ve been out of school for two years and I''m worried I won''t be able to keep up. You know, I''ve forgotten some of what I learned."


    Two years was enough for an excellent student to forget a lot of the originally superficial knowledge, coupled with a dull and tiring life, her worry was justified.


    The old woman didn''t care much. Ever since her husband, Katherine''s father, got a new job, she felt that they, as a couple, had gradually lost their authority over Katherine.


    "Do you want your brother to take you?" the old woman asked again.


    Katherine quickly shook her head and resumed packing. "No need to trouble anyone. Lynch will pick me up."


    The "brother" the old woman referred to was actually Katherine''s cousin, the most aplished person in their extended family¡ªhe inherited a small farm from his parents, which was the most impressive asset in the family.


    Butpared to Lynch, the old woman wisely closed her mouth and returned to the kitchen. She needed to prepare the food so that her husband, who must be starving when he returned, could eat. Those capitalists were truly detestable. Oh, this didn''t refer to Lynch.


    Regardless of whether the old woman had any slight regrets or not, or Lynch leaving and returning to Katherine''s life, everything here remained unchanged from yesterday, the day before, and every day before that.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 162:

    Chapter 162:


    "Why the rush?" the girl who had just gotten into the car asked curiously. She had just finished lunch, but Lynch''s car was already parked downstairs.


    In this neighborhood, people''s understanding of luxury cars mainly came from TV or car shows; they had never seen one up close. Some children even wanted to touch the mirror-like body of the car, but were quickly stopped by the adults behind them.


    Who knew how much it would cost to leave a fingerprint on such a luxury car? People often heard stories of someone being ruined by capitalists for doing something trivial.


    They didn''t want their kids to ruin their family with one careless touch, so they could only watch from the side, curious and envious.


    All this peaked when Katherine arrived. In this era, not just next-door neighbors, but even people living on the same street knew each other well. When they saw the familiar Katherine putting her suitcase into the trunk of this luxury car and getting in, their jaws dropped.


    It must be said that even Katherine had a bit of vanity. Especially when she sat in the car under the envious, jealous, and maliciously spective gazes of the people around her, she felt very happy.


    This was not a fault, nor was it a crime; it was something inherent in human nature.


    Lynch had also experienced this until he finally saw through people and life, and this primal need gradually faded away.


    The surrounding scenery started to move, and the car soon disappeared from this ordinary neighborhood. Soon, people began visiting Katherine''s mother, hoping as neighbors, they could benefit from this in some way.After the car started, Katherine curiously asked why they were leaving so suddenly after his morning call. This didn''t seem like the life of the high society people on TV, who usually nned their lives at least half a month in advance.


    They just followed their schedules and rarely faced sudden situations like this.


    Lynch exined briefly, "We have our first auction at the Kund branch on Friday evening. It''s crucial, and I need to be there in person to ensure everything goes smoothly."


    Katherine knew what he meant by "auction." It had been all over the TV and newspapers recently, and it was one of the key policies pushed by the local mayor.


    From Katherine''s perspective, it indeed seemed like a good thing. Using less money to meet necessary living expenses could reduce the financial burden on already struggling families.


    Her father had attended an auction and brought back a belt and a baking pan, though the pan was only used once right after he bought it.


    Lynch valued the Kund auction because it would determine the investors'' final attitudes. If Kund''s auction seeded, it would prove that Lynch''s grand ns discussed with them were real and achievable.


    Facts would break their hesitations and make them invest quickly; otherwise, they might miss outpletely.


    People often disliked agents like Mark, but most of the time, they represented a barometer of investment. Any business they touched rarely lost money, at least while they held shares.


    Katherine only knew the surface-level details and wasn''t aware of the deeper implications. She responded vaguely and soon focused on her books about adapting to university life.


    Yes, "How to Quickly Integrate into University Social Circles" was a bestseller, written by a member of the Society of the Sacred Harmony and a renowned social queen. This book had be a must-have for most students nning to attend university.


    It detailed how an "ordinary girl" transformed during her university years to be a high-society star and provided tips on social etiquette and breaking the ice at events.


    Regardless of whether the author concealed her identity as the daughter of a major conglomerate''s board member or her mother being a senior executive at a bank, some social etiquette and content were still urate.


    Katherine read intently. She was very excited about university life, like many girls her age, this even included Lynch before. University was not just a ce of knowledge but also a ce that could transform lives. Sadly, some people never had the chance to experience it.


    ncing at the girl''s profile, Lynch then focused on the scenery outside the window.


    It was about a three-hour drive from Sabin City to Kund City, covering over 400 kilometers of uninhabited wilderness. For safety reasons, Cook arranged for four trucks to escort Lynch.


    The truck drivers'' toolboxes contained more than just wrenches. Themunity servicepany where Lynch lived also reced his driver with one who had a legal gun permit and a firearm.


    This was no joking matter. Every year, around five to eight thousand homicides ur on highways in the Baylor Federation, many of which remained unknown until the perpetrators were caught yearster.


    The areas outside cities were very unsafe, and someone traveling in a luxury car like Lynch''s was even more at risk.


    After a slow journey, the deste scenery began to change. Farms and ranches started to appear, followed by sparse buildings. The road became a bit bumpy, but the buildings on both sides grew denser. In the distance, the skyline of arge city came into view; they had arrived in Kund City.


    The truck drivers separated from Lynch near the city center. They would drive their trucks to the branch''s warehouse area since there were no parking spots for trucks in the city center. Bringing the trucks into the city would only result in fines or even arrests, so they didn''t do that. Besides, it was safer here than in the wild.


    The girl also put her book down, folding a corner of the page to mark her ce.


    Lynch, with a teasing tone, asked, "Any insights?"


    Katherine thought seriously for a moment. "Positive, optimistic, upward¡­" she trailed off, reflecting seriously on Lynch''s question, but found the book''s content too straightforward to summarize anything useful.


    At this point, Lynch interjected, "and wealth."


    The girl looked at him, puzzled. He continued with a smile, "An ordinary girl does not have the means to publish a book. And no matter what she says in it, it ultimately boils down to two things."


    "Influence and money."


    "Sometimes they can be seen as one. The worse the economic situation, the greater the role and influence of money. If you want to fit in with your ssmates, the simplest way is to highlight your influence."


    Katherine listened attentively. Anything said by a sessful person had a special ability to make one ponder. Lynch''s words were no exception. However, after listening, she couldn''t help but chuckle and said, "It seems my university life won''t be very interesting."


    She meant she woudln''t be able to achieve everything the book''s protagonist did, being liked by everyone and bing the center of attention, a symbol of trend and fashion because she wasn''t an influential girl.


    Thinking carefully, Lynch was right. If she were just an ordinary girl, she probably couldn''t even afford a dress, let alone rent some jewel-encrusted crown.


    Many people noticed the term "rent" but didn''t realize that renting required either the ability to buy the crown outright or such immense influence that the jewelry store could turn the risk of default intomercial value.


    Ordinary girls from ordinary families indeed couldn''t do these things.


    Katherine had also "brushed up" on some books rted to high society recently. She was somewhat curious but also a bit apprehensive about Lynch''s life. In short, it wasplicated.


    "It seems I wasted some money. It doesn''t quite suit me," Katherinemented, patting the book. A few words from Lynch made the book''s content worthless, making her regret her impulsive purchase.


    Lynch casually flipped through the book. "It''s a bestseller not because it teaches an ordinary girl how to be the queen of high-society social circles..." He turned to look at Katherine, his gaze clear and serious. "Its sess lies in fulfilling some girls'' aspirations for future lives."


    Spending a few bucks to satisfy a girl''s dream of a beautiful life, allowing her to empathize with the protagonist during the process, made it worth the money.


    If one can''t pursue such a life in reality, are they not allowed to indulge in some fantasies?


    The car slowly stopped. Lynch looked away and ced the book on the storage shelf behind the armrest, where the driver would clean up the clutterter.


    Lynch got out and opened the door for Katherine. Outside was Kund City''s most prestigious Kund City Grand Hotel. A hotel named after the city existed only once in each region. It might not be the most luxurious, but it was the highest in terms of status.


    "Let''s rest for a bit, then have dinner together. Would you like to apany me to the auction on Friday?" Lynch asked casually, holding Katherine''s hand to help her out of the car.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 163:

    Chapter 163:


    Lynch had barely settled in for half an hour when an aide of the mayor of Kund arrived outside his door. After changing into fresh clothes, Lynch had a meeting with him, though "meeting" was perhaps too formal of a term.


    "Hello, Mr. Lynch, we wee you to Kund. I''m Noah." the aide introduced himself. Noah appeared to be in his mid-thirties, energetic, and quite handsome, exuding a presence that was hard to ignore.


    People often said talent and appearance were unrted, but throughout the federal government, none of the public figures were unattractive. Even the least attractive among them were merely ordinary, far from being deemed "ugly."


    From Lynch''s perspective, Noah already possessed the demeanor required to potentially seed as the next leader. At least in terms of presence, Ferrall couldn''t quite match with him.


    Of course, it was also possible that the local mayor and Noah had already reached an understanding. Whether he was promoted or transferred, Noah might be nominated to seed the mayor.


    While such nominations held little substantive value, as mayors were ultimately elected by citizens, the endorsement of a former mayor could significantly boost a nominee''s chances if the current mayor was popr.


    This was the best path for people like Noah and Ferrall, without a doubt.


    Noah''s aura might have stemmed from the certainty of his future, allowing him to disy such charisma and authority.


    Lynch shook his hand and invited him into the room.He was staying in one of the best suites at the hotel. Althoughbeled as a "business suite," there was no real distinction from a presidential suite except perhaps in price and additional amenities likerger meeting rooms, more independent studies, extra bedrooms, or even the services of a butler and secretary, depending on selected options.


    What Lynch had was one of the finest rooms in the hotel. While he himself often cared little for such choices, others ced significant importance on them.


    Once seated, and after the hotel''s staff inquired, a maid brought coffee for both of them.


    Noah enthusiastically discussed Kund''s anticipation of the uing second-hand goods auction since Lynch''s official promotion. "Since you started your official promotion, there''s been quite a buzz among our citizens. We''re eagerly looking forward to it. If you don''t arrive soon, I don''t know how I''ll calm those folks who are itching to head to Sabin City."


    It was clearly a yful remark, but not entirely untrue.


    In times of financial difficulty, deeply discounted goods held an irresistible appeal for many families. Some had calcted that even after traveling to Sabin City from Kund for the auction, purchasing goods, and shipping them back, they could still save money.


    The "miracle" of the second-hand goods auction, driven by Sabin City''s mayor, had already spread throughout the state and even half the federation. Everyone hoped for such a boon in their own city.


    Many within the Progressive Party were also eyeing this policy closely. If proven effective in meeting citizens'' needs without adding to their financial burden, simr auctions could spread across the federation.


    Of course, these auctions had little to do with Lynch himself, but Sabin City''s mayor would continue to reap the political benefits of being the "initiator."


    It was even possible that this event would be recorded in history, given its impact on both the era and politics.


    Lynch might also be mentioned in passing in lengthy texts as "with the assistance of businessman Lynch..."


    Lynch expressed gratitude for the local government''s support. Without their backing, securing the venue alone would have been difficult.


    In this somewhat naive era, certain sentiments existed, such as the sanctity of a gymnasium. Many people would never visit a gymnasium in their lifetime, let alone participate in sports there, yet they still respected its sanctity.


    For many singers, performing in prestigious gymnasiums was a dreame true.


    Simr sentiments applied in many other situations. Hence, when the Interster Trading Company proposed renting a gymnasium, they were promptly denied to preserve its sacredness, until the local government intervened.


    Noah chuckled. "I didn''t do much, just made a phone call..." He paused briefly, giving Lynch ample time to interpret the implication behind his words.


    It wasn''t someone else who had arranged this; it was Noah himself. He subtly took credit by downying his role.


    After a moment, Noah continued, "May I inquire if there will be any special items at your auction this time? I''m just curious."


    His curiosity wasn''t about unique items but whether it would create another sensation, particrly the concept of "one-buck apartments in the city center."


    Even the Trading Report had devoted a small section to it, highlighting the shock it brought to the world in this era.


    If Kund''s auction had simr items, this auction would definitely be a sess.


    Lynch nodded. "We''ve prepared two apartments and two new cars for the auction''s second and third phases."


    Noah smiled with satisfaction and delved deeper. "I heard from some sources that you n to split the event into separate businesses: ''trading'' and ''auctioning''?"


    Lynch nced at him. Few knew about this n, but he wasn''t concerned.


    If two people knew something, one of them would inevitably leak it¡ªeither intentionally or unintentionally. Moreover, it wasn''t a matter that required secrecy.


    He nodded directly. "I intend to split the auction into two separate businesses. The auctioning process will remain unchanged, but the trading process will undergo some changes..."


    Noah listened attentively, showing no skepticism toward Lynch''s ideas despite his youth.


    "I''ve noticed that every city actually has scattered second-hand trading spots over the years, mostly on sidewalks. Many people wouldn''t know where to go if they weren''t coincidentally passing by."


    He avoided discussing the more detailed aspects, such as how many of these sidewalk vendors were actually selling stolen goods.


    Thieves oftencked proper channels to sell their stolen goods, as antique shops would undervalue and potentially threaten them.


    True pawnshops weren''t interested in such items either, focusing instead on luxury or high-end second-hand goods.


    This created an unstable market for second-hand goods, sometimes even leading to legal issues.


    "I have an idea to establish a dedicated distribution center for second-hand goods trading," Lynch continued. "It would make management more convenient and centralized. Anyone with a demand for goods but under financial pressure could easily find suitable items at our trading center."


    "As providers of space and rted services, we would charge a management fee only to those whoe to sell their stuff. Meanwhile, we would also engage in buying and selling certain goods, including some recycling efforts."


    Noah remained serious throughout Lynch''s exnation, nodding in understanding. "So, constructing such a facility would require quite arge area, right?"


    Lynch nodded again. "It depends on the demand for second-hand goods in a given area, but generally, it would require tens of thousands of square meters."


    "Tens of thousands of square meters" was a broad concept. In reality, dividing it into multiple floors would make it less conspicuous.


    Noah was interested in other matters. As Lynch had guessed, he would likely be nominated by the local mayor, who happened to be his uncle. In fact, Noah had been exercising some of the mayor''s powers locally for several years and was already known as the "deputy mayor" in many people''s eyes. However, he was capable, and people had a positive attitude toward him.


    Apart from advancing the policy initiated by Sabin City''s mayor, Noah was interested in the practical value of the second-hand goods trading market and the job opportunities that would arise from these properties.


    It wasn''t just Sabin City; unemployment was a pressing issue nationwide, causing headaches for federal politicians.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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    Chapter 164:


    After more than half an hour, Noah got up to leave. He hade to express Kund City''s appreciation for the investors and to convey his desire to establish a personal rtionship with Lynch.


    Politicians often would criticize capitalists in front of a national audience on television, but as soon as they were away from the cameras, they were likely to be sitting happily at banquets hosted by those same capitalists.


    The two sides were at odds with each other, yet sometimes they needed to rely on each other.


    Lynch found Noah to be an interesting person. In some ways, he was more proactive than the mayor of Sabin City and more enthusiastic than Ferrall¡ªone could even say more tant.


    "Is he an important person?" Katherine asked as she walked out of the bedroom after Lynch saw Noah off.


    Lynch nodded. During the conversation, Noah had clearly hinted that he could easily change the mayor''s attitude and thoughts, allowing certain issues to be discussed further, but not now.


    Both sides intended to have deeper interactions, but there was still a test they had toplete, which was the auction on Friday.


    Katherine had no idea what the two had discussed in that half-hour. She only felt that Lynch had changed so much that she couldn''t ignore the sense of unfamiliarity.


    A few months ago, Lynch was still thinking about how to find a suitable job or simply doing nothing. But now, these big figures were actively visiting him.This stark contrast made the girl feel a strange thought: the current Lynch was nothing like the Lynch she used to know.


    If they weren''t so familiar with each other, she might have mistaken the person in front of her for someone else.


    After a fleeting moment of confusion in her eyes, the girl didn''t dwell on these matters. The uing university life attracted all her attention; that was her future battlefield.


    However...


    "Don''t you n to go back to school?" Katherine asked during dinner, bringing up the question they had longed to answer for some time¡ªgoing to school.


    They had once agreed that if one of them found a good job first, they would fully support the other in pursuing their academic dreams.


    Reality was cruel yet dramatic. While it destroyed their dreams, it also brought them to where they were now.


    In Katherine''s view, Lynch should go to school, as it was their shared aspiration and dream.


    Lynch put down his knife and fork, wiped the sauce from the corner of his mouth with a napkin, and leaned back in his chair. "Of course, but not now. Maybe next year or the year after, I''ll choose a ce to study. But not now. I don''t have that much time."


    This statement calmed down some unknown feelings in Katherine''s heart, bringing a smile to her face. "What university are you nning to choose? Will you go to the same university as me?"


    Looking into the girl''s expectant eyes, Lynch gave an unexpected answer, "I might go to one of the league schools of the Society of the Sacred Harmony. Studying there will be more beneficial for my future."


    In the Federation, there was a conspiracy theory that the Society of the Sacred Harmony controlled the entire economy and politics. Most upper-ss capitalists and politicians came from the league schools of the Society of the Sacred Harmony, and were united by this society from the beginning.


    What''s more, these social elites often ensured their children joined the Society of the Sacred Harmony, bing the new generation of elite members. In some long-established families, it wasmon to see three, four, or even more generations all being members of the Society of the Sacred Harmony, and they took pride in it.


    Lynch had listened to what the mayor of Sabin City said during dinner. Sometimes society was very cruel¡ªeven if one did have superior abilities,cking a ticket could leave them wandering outside the "house" all their life.


    But when they had this ticket, this key, the people inside the house would open the door to wee them.


    To truly enter high society, one first needed an elite student badge from a league school of the Society of the Sacred Harmony, then became a formal member of the Society of the Sacred Harmony.


    It was toote to enrol this year. Managing this was not as simple as spending some money; otherwise, the Federation''s economic recession wouldn''t be so fast.


    Initially, some foreign capital forces also wanted to integrate into the core group of the Federation, but the self-proimed superior core members rejected foreign capital''s invasion, leading to these foreign capitalists feeling ack of belonging in the Federation.


    Without a sense of belonging, there was no sense of security, so they longed to return to a ce where they felt safe. Even if it meant no economic returns for five to ten years, they were willing to go back.


    Next year, when Lynch''s ns were almost implemented and he had enough capital to drive some people to work for him, he could easily get an admission invitation to a league school of the Society of the Sacred Harmony.


    "A league school of the Society of the Sacred Harmony?" The girl''s tongue flicked across her lips, not as a yful gesture but rather enticing. "That ce might only be suitable for someone like you."


    She remarked, having learned a bit about the league schools of the Society of the Sacred Harmony and their significance from the book "How to Quickly Integrate into University Social Circles." In the book, the female protagonist, starting as an ordinary person, stirred up a storm at one of the league schools. Naturally, to showcase the school''s significance, the author also poprised the formidable aspects of the league schools and the Society of the Sacred Harmony.


    Just thinking about the schemes and plots in the book made the girl feel terrified.


    Reading about the protagonist''s victories in those schemes was exhrating, but experiencing it firsthand would be painful. She felt she wouldn''tst three book pages in that environment.


    Lynch chuckled. It wasn''t that terrifying to him. After all, a bunch of fledglings just starting to touch society were not much different from elementary students in front of him.


    After dinner, Lynch took the girl to the mall on the hotel''s second floor. There were many high-end to mid-range luxury brands, mainly to amodate guests ustomed to traveling without luggage, ensuring they always had clean clothes.


    Of course, they didn''t mind if ordinary people came in to shop; after all, business is business.


    Lynch nned to order a few sets of summer and autumn outfits for the girl and register her as a member.


    These stores regrly updated member information, including the members'' current body measurements. When members needed custom-made clothes, a phone call would suffice, and designers would visit with design drafts to ensure the clothes fit perfectly.


    Throughout the process, the girl was very poised, showing no embarrassment or fear even though her current outfit cost less than twenty bucks.


    Seeing her veryposed, Lynch found it amusing. He watched her calmly stand in front of the mirror, allowing the female staff to take her body measurements and record details.


    Research showed that female staff were more likely to be forgiven by customers if mistakes urred. Moreover, a fresh term in society called "beauty consumption" indicated that people found it hard to refuse a pretty girl, including female customers. Hence, high-end establishments often employed many attractive female workers.


    After the staff finished recording, Lynch walked over.


    Katherine casually held his arm, but most of her weight was leaning on him. "My legs feel a bit weak. Is this how you usually shop for clothes?"


    Lynch couldn''t help butugh heartily. Supporting the girl, he led her to a nearby sofa. "I thought you were fine. You didn''t look like your legs were weak."


    Sheughed too. "I was pretending." Pausing, she added, "What''s next? What do I have to do?"


    "Don''t look like you''re going to the gallows. Next, you''ll choose some styles you like and can suggest modifications," Lynch said, taking a candy from the table, unwrapping it, and popping it into the girl''s mouth.


    Candy could stabilize emotions. The girl quickly held it in her mouth, then suddenlyined, "You didn''t wash your hands. Your fingers are a bit salty."


    Lynch''s previous action had caused the girl to slightly touch his fingers. Surprised, he licked the fingertip that had a bit of moisture and said. "Steak vor."


    Their yful banterpletely calmed the girl down, and she no longer felt her legs were weak.


    Soon, a pretty female employee approached them, deliberately sitting on Katherine''s side, not Lynch''s, to avoid any misunderstanding about her intentions.


    Some people were paranoid, and many high-society individuals could be hysterical, exploding over trivial matters. To prevent such situations, high-end store employees would undergo rigorous training before starting their jobs.


    She ced two thick design books on the table in front of them, with pages of various colors. "Sir, madam, these are our designers''test summer and autumn designs. Different colors represent different designers. You can choose the styles you like, suggest modifications, or request a custom design."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 165:

    Chapter 165:


    Chapter 165


    In a society like the Baylor Federation, the concept of spending money to enjoy services was ingrained in people''s values and worldviews, and no one felt anything wrong with it.


    Indeed, there was some resentment towards the wealthy, but more people still pursued wealth fervently.


    Katherine''s mother felt this keenly as some neighbors surrounded her. It was clear that Katherine had left with a wealthy man. They couldn''t cozy up to Katherine or the rich man they didn''t know, but ttering Katherine''s mother seemed quite feasible.


    Who knew, perhaps someday Katherine''s mother could provide them with a good job?


    Meanwhile, what Katherine did not notice was that after Lynch registered her membership, another employee closed the store door and hung a sign on it that said "Serving VIP Guests," advising potential customers to wait in the nearby caf¨¦.


    The drinks and pastries they consumed in the caf¨¦ would be paid for by this clothing brand store, but they must present the membership card they had from this brand store.


    Internally, the supreme-level service made people revel in the "only I am supreme" atmosphere created by money.


    Externally, this goodwill also spurred some people''s desire for membership status and naturally pleased other members.At least, those who could afford membership wouldn''t deign to take advantage of a free coffee or a slice of cake¡ªthat would be too disgraceful.


    Those who truly wanted to take advantage wouldn''t have such opportunities.


    The entire second floor of the hotel consisted of such stores, different from some "luxury brand stores" inmercial centers. In some people''s eyes, all stores selling ready-to-wear clothes couldn''t be called luxury, or they were luxury only to ordinary people,cking deeper heritage.


    In Katherine''s selections, she picked two summer outfits and four autumn outfits.


    September was approaching, and Kund''s weather would gradually cool down after October, reducing the need for summer wear.


    Autumn wouldst for about two months, and then it would be winter.


    The trends for winter fashion were not yet clear, so around November, the winter designs would be finalized, and Katherine would need to visit again.


    After choosing the clothes, all that was left was to wait. After Katherine confirmed her requirements, the clothes would be sent to headquarters, where a specialized high-end tailor would handcraft her custom garments.


    In reality, it wasn''t asplicated as it sounded; the so-called handcrafting was essentially a gimmick.


    In fact, such luxury shops that could spread nationwide were not the top tier. They would use pre-made parts and sew them ording to size. Craftsmanship-wise, the difference between handcrafting and assembly line was merely the final step.


    Yet, many still liked this service.


    Before leaving, the store clerk gave Katherine a member gift, which included some high-end cosmetics and women''s items that were very popr recently.


    If the new member were a man, they would give small gifts like ties, belts, or wallets.


    With all the staff bidding them farewell, the two left the store, and the sign was switched back to "Open for Business," returning everything to normal.


    "Can you tell me how much all this cost?" Katherine asked quietly, "Do I need to take a deep breath?"


    During this process, Lynch hadn''t told Katherine how much he spent, nor did Katherine ask, knowing it would embarrass them both. She knew how to maintain Lynch''s dignity.


    Now, out of the store, curiosity got the better of her. She wanted to know the figure, wondering if it was as breathtaking as she imagined.


    "Not much, just twelve thousand," Lynch said. This amount no longer mattered much to him. He chose this brand mainly for its influence among young people, especially the trendy ones.


    Don''t underestimate universities or theirplexity; in this era, only two types of people could afford to attend university.


    The first type were those who received guaranteed admission, full schrships, and various research grants even before entering the university. These people weremonly known as pre-scientists, and even the most dedicated "nerds" wouldn''t measure up to them.


    Such people would inevitably appear in high-end research institutes, leading experiments that would change human progress.


    The second type were those who came from well-off families, mostly middle ss or those on the verge of it. Otherwise, even with education insurance, they still wouldn''t be able to afford university fees without selling their house, which might still not be enough.


    These families had a superior understanding and awareness of trends, fashion, and attirepared to ordinary families.


    Many brands that children from ordinary families might not even know about were familiar to these people. They would often hear about them and know of them, but they wouldn''t necessarily own them.


    When Katherine asionally appeared in such clothes, anyone thinking of bullying her would have to consider the unpleasant consequences and whether they could afford the cost.


    Anyone willing to spend twelve thousand just for membership fees and thousands on a single piece of clothing could easily spend the same amount to make someone regret their actions.


    In the city''s lower-ie areas, kids would dare to stab someone at night for just a thousand bucks.


    For twenty or thirty thousand, they might even dare to kill.


    So, whether they respected Katherine or not, at least they would fear her. Lynch couldn''t do much for her; this was all he could do.


    Hearing Lynch''s words, Katherine rolled her eyes, "I don''t even know if I can save a thousand bucks in my lifetime. How can I repay you?"


    "You''ve already repaid a part of it¡­" Lynch looked at her, "Happiness is the best reward. I''veughed more today than I have in the past three monthsbined, or even more. That''s the best reward."


    "Isn''t it often said that happiness is the universal remedy?" In good economic times, people would be optimistic in various ways, believing that pursuing happiness was the right path. This value system hadn''t been abandoned by mainstream society yet, contributing to worsening conditions as they remained unaware.


    Lynch, holding Katherine''s hand, headed to the next store, without telling her that those clothes required additional payment. "I''m giving you a perfect start. Whether you can achieve a perfect ending depends on yourself."


    The very next day, at Kund City Gymnasium, Katherine witnessed a scene she might never forget in her lifetime.


    Perhaps Richard wanted to make a big ssh outside Sabin City, or he wanted to catch up with Lynch quickly and not fall behind, he was very meticulous.


    He set up six thousand seats for the auction, making it seem muchrger than the one in Sabin City, although only a thousand more people participated.


    Of course, apart from the chance to get a free belt, these people also wanted to witness a miracle¡ªa city centre apartment starting at one buck, currently valued at over fifty thousand. Everyone thought they might have a chance, which was why they were there.


    From the beginning, the atmosphere was lively. The auctioneer didn''t even need to warm up the crowd; the enthusiasm was already there.


    Katherine had never seen so many people gathered not for a sports event but just to spend money. The more she knew, the more powerless she felt.


    More frustrating was that she had to keep smiling as reporters asionally approached for photos. Her cheeks began to cramp from smiling.


    "Well done, Richard." Lynch handed Richard a pure-colored Colofu worth forty-nine bucks, already a high-end product.


    Of course, Lynch also had a cheaper one worth around twenty bucks in his pocket.


    If Richard hadn''t done well, he would only get the twenty-buck one, but since he did well, he deserved better treatment.


    Richard couldn''t stop smiling, repeatedly thanking Lynch for his support. He was older than Lynch. However, when he shamelessly tried to get his way, Lynch sometimes wondered if Richard might even call him "dad" without hesitation.


    Smoking the high-end cigarette, looking at the bustling crowd below, Richard smelled the intoxicating scent of wealth filling the gymnasium.


    With a five percentmission, Richard''s ie from this auction alone might exceed twenty thousand, maybe even more.


    The more Richard earned, the more Lynch earned. With subordinates like him, Lynch didn''t mind sharing some profits.


    "Among all my partners, Richard, you are the one I have the most confidence in."


    "You''re the only one who makes me feel at ease, and in you, I see a kind of light, like gold."


    "One month¡­" Lynch held up one finger, "If the transaction volume of four auctions within a month doesn''t significantly decrease, I will arrange for you to manage the branch office in the state capital."


    Suddenly, a rush of blood surged from Richard''s groin to his head. The capital was the only first-tier city in the state, with arger market, bigger audience, and... more lucrative profits.


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    Chapter 166:


    The lively atmosphere in the venue never ceased from afternoon until night. People were eagerly raising their bid paddles, with the excitement peaking during the auction of the two apartments.


    Many people came here just for the experience, not really expecting to win the bids for the two apartments. But people always needed some fantasies.


    This, in turn, made the atmosphere even more vibrant. The excitement continued until the event ended, with some people actively asking when the next auction would be held and what items would be featured.


    This auction, which captivated many, did not disappoint Lynch. The transaction amount of 610,000 created a new high in the history of Interster Trading Company''s second-hand goods auctions. Whether it was Noah, the investors hidden in the venue, or the mayor of Sabin City waiting for the results, they all breathed a sigh of relief.


    The oue in Kund City, to some extent, also represented the approximate results in other cities. Maybe their transaction amounts wouldn''t be higher than today''s, but their value could still be reflected.


    People were very much looking forward to this kind of auction. To know if a policy was popr, the most straightforward example was to see how many people were willing to spend money on it voluntarily.


    Behind the 610,000 transaction amount, these buyers might have saved at least 400,000 in their budgets. It not only satisfied their consumer desires and needs for some necessities but also eased their financial burdens.


    People liked it, understood its value and benefits, which was why they enthusiastically bought these items.


    Reporters surrounded Lynch, with Richard beside him and Katherine standing outside the crowd. She wasn''t quite suitable to enter this scene.asionally, a reporter might capture a photo of her standing with Lynch, which could be seen as a young man''s romance.


    But if Katherine were to stand with him in such a nearly public interview, it would send the wrong signal to the public, making people think they were still together.


    In reality, neither Lynch nor Katherine was ready for that.


    For Lynch, dating was no longer his main job. Moreover, even if he let Katherine into his life now, they would eventually part ways for various reasons.


    A certain institution once conducted a thought-provoking study. They found that among highly educated married couples, those with simr educational levels tended to have longersting marriagespared to couples where one partner''s education significantly outpaced the other''s.


    This study also raised another question: "Are shared interests, simr levels of education, and effectivemunication necessary prerequisites for maintaining a marriage?"


    To put it simply, as Lynch''s pace quickened, Katherine definitely wouldn''t be able to keep up. At that time, even if Lynch reached out to pull her, he still wouldn''t be able to move her. She would gradually be an unnecessary burden in Lynch''s life and career.


    Even if Lynch didn''t abandon her, she would eventually leave on her own because more outstanding women would appear around Lynch. As she felt increasingly inferior in the presence of these dazzling women, she would only feel more and more despair and self-doubt.


    For Katherine, too, looking at Lynch in the center of attention, apart from familiarity with his body, she felt a kind of estranged unfamiliarity towards him.


    Sometimes he seemed familiar, but when he got serious, Katherine felt he was suitable for someone else.


    She didn''t know how to describe this feeling. Maybe this was what they called growth. She also wanted to grow, to reach Lynch''s level, and then unveil his mask to see which one was the real him.


    She wasn''t ready for this yet. She needed to use this idea as a source of motivation, urging herself to grow and mature quickly. Only then could she understand what happened, changing both herself and this most familiar stranger.


    Watching Lynch''s back, Katherine sighed silently. Sometimes being too outstanding wasn''t good.


    Back in high school, Lynch was the only student who could enjoy the air conditioning in the teacher''s office while having lunch. He was also the object of affection for many girls. It was easy to imagine the pressure Katherine felt dating him in that environment.


    Now, she felt that pressure again, because a group of girls was "on their way," and she had to work harder.


    Meanwhile, Lynch was chatting andughing with the media reporters. "Of course, we created a new miracle. But the purpose of creating this miracle is not to make it a benchmark for us or the entire industry¡­"


    This statement was a bit disingenuous, but the reporters loved this kind of rhetoric. News without highlightscked appeal. Whether readers bought it or not was unimportant; what mattered was that their article fees would be reduced.


    "¡­The purpose of creating miracles is to create a new miracle in the future to surpass it."


    Lynch slightly raised his head. His smile, handsomeness, and feigned maturity made it hard for people to dislike him, even if some thought he was boasting.


    Facing the camera, he smiled confidently, his eyes filled with a forward-looking determination. "The only ones who can defeat us are ourselves."


    This statement sparked the reporters'' enthusiasm, fueled in part by the small gifts and experience vouchers that Lynch had prepared for them.


    Using this experience voucher, reporters could choose a second-hand item worth no more than fifty bucks from the Interster Trading Company''s catalog for permanent use. The reporters were thrilled and almost instinctively gave Lynch a very positive image in their articles.


    As the crowd gradually dispersed, Lynch arranged for someone to send Katherine back. He still had many things to do that night and might bete.


    After sending Katherine off, Lynch asked Richard to celebrate with the boys.


    When the boys arrived at a ce filled with delicious food, fine wine, beautiful women, and money, everyone instantly tore off their civilized masks and became wild and rowdy.


    It must be said that Richard was truly the closest person to "sess" in Lynch''s eyes, without question. At least so far, no one could surpass him.


    He waspetent in his work and wild enough when ying. He even had money crumpled up and filled a rubber kiddie pool, cing two chairs inside.


    From the outside, the money looked like water. He then had the girls stand on the chairs, squat halfway, and pick up the money in a special way. Each person had only one chance; whatever they picked up was theirs.


    The crazier these guys yed, the more they couldn''t live without such a life, without Lynch''spany and him.


    After drinking a bit of wine at the scene and encouraging everyone, Lynch left. The hotel staff had notified him that the people he was waiting for had arrived.


    After tidying up his appearance a bit, he took off his jacket on the terrace next to the corridor and shook off the strong smell of smoke and alcohol. After waiting for a while, he walked into a small conference room in the hotel.


    About ten people were already seated in the conference room, with more than half of them from Sabin City. They were the initial group of capitalists of the Progressive Party, whom Lynch had first connected with and who were interested in investing in hispany.


    The rest were local investors, also members of the Progressive Party.


    Often, choosing a political camp wasn''t a very serious matter for capitalists. As long as there was profit, they could change their political stance anytime, like CEO Neo who must be smirking at the moment.


    These people came here on Noah''s rmendation and attended this auction in person. They were also looking to gain some benefits from this business deal.


    During the economic recession, losses were widespread. The agriculture and livestock industries were almost entirely controlled byrge corporations and economic conglomerates. No industry could confidently im to be consistently profitable. So when a business suddenly emerged that could make money against the tide and was promoted as a "beneficial policy for the people," it was only natural that they wanted to get involved.


    Not for anything else, just to keep their money safe in this tide and leave some capital for the future.


    Lynch was very satisfied with the current situation. When he heard that two groups wanted to meet him, he had the hotel arrange them together.


    Competition creates miracles, a saying very fitting for any game involving money.


    Looking at the two distinct groups, Lynch sat on a single sofa with a smile and asked for a cup of coffee.


    While waiting for his coffee, he leaned his elbow on the sofa armrest, supported his chin, and looked at these people with a smile. "I believe we will get along very well in the future."


    Thinking about these people transferring money to him soon, Lynch found them quite endearing.


    Sometimes he wondered if something was wrong with him. After experiencing so much in his past life, why couldn''t he let go?


    He had considered this issue. Wealth was just a string of numbers. To him, it was. He had countless ways to create one miracle after another in this still somewhat backward world.


    But so what?


    In the end, he figured it out. After all, he was just a vulgar person who couldn''t live without those numbers, without the dazzling, morous lifestyle of neon lights and constant revelry.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 167:

    Chapter 167:


    Several investors from Sabin City were feeling a bit uneasy.


    Strictly speaking, they belonged to the same Progressive Party faction as the capitalists from Kund City sitting on the other side. Often, they maintained a sharing attitude in terms of resources and information.


    This political alliance gave them an advantage over capitalists with no faction or those who were neutral, allowing them to potentially form a temporary alliance under the influence of certain powerful figures.


    However, they couldn''t be considered a single group since they hadn''t always shared the same interests, especially now when these people were here to snatch business opportunities, making it impossible for them to form a close bond.


    What truly made them uneasy was their public valuation of the Interster Trading Company at seventy million. Whether or not Mark really invested two million for a 3% stake, this valuation could not be lowered.


    This wasn''t rted to Mark; if the valuation decreased, Mark''s shares would increase, and they might have to exceed their budget to acquire more equity.


    Everyone knew that whoever held the most shares in apany had the loudest voice, the most support, and could decide everything within thepany.


    Entrepreneurialpanies often had a love-hate rtionship with investors and investment firms because their equity was often lower than that of these firms, leading to the ironic situation where many founders were eventually ousted by the board.


    Their initial n was to negotiate the valuation down and then coborate with Lynch to inte thepany''s market value continually.They weren''t worried that Lynch would disagree because this method was faster and more profitable than steadily doing business.


    Raising apany''s market valuation was essentially no different from inting the price of a piece of art, continually trading it to increase its perceived value.


    However, inting an antique''s value was about waiting for a fool, while inting apany''s value was about waiting for a group of fools after it went public.


    Currently, in the Baylor Federation and worldwide, many capitalists were transitioning from traditional business operations to capital maneuvers, no longer pursuing the value of goods but rather value itself.


    They initially thought they could obtain more shares from Lynch with rtively little money and other resources.


    Butpetitors appeared. If they lowered the price, the other side could also achieve more with less money (gain more equity). Once both sides startedpeting, conflicts would intensify, leading to greater losses.


    Not to mention that there was still a worrisome young man, Lynch.


    If they still thought Lynch was just a lucky boy, they would be truly foolish. Arranging for both groups to meet either showed extreme stupidity or cunning.


    Undoubtedly, Lynch didn''t seem like a foolish young man. Quietly securing Mark indicated that they had misjudged him.


    "Everyone is here for mypany..." Lynch, smiling, took a sip of coffee. The slightly bitter taste was followed by a rich aroma, perfectly roasted. He put down the cup, leisurely looked at both parties, and continued, "I do not reject others investing in Interster Trading Company. I never believed one could seed alone; sess always requires some help."


    "If I seed, you will be the ones who helped me, and vice versa, if you seed, I will be the one helping you."


    This set the tone for the small meeting, which was to agree to investment and equity acquisition, leaving no room for objection.


    These federal capitalists, driven by wealth plundering, even pushed for legal uses requiringpanies valued over ten million to have multiple "shareholders," aiming to forcefully acquire equity.


    Lynch didn''t oppose investment but warmly weed it, yet they felt a bit uneasy for some reason.


    He then moved on to the core issues, "Actually, I brought everyone together because I don''t want to repeat certain things. I hope you can understand me. After all, I''m young and sometimes can be quite impatient."


    After ncing at both groups and seeing them express their understanding, he nodded slightly, "In my eyes, mypany is undoubtedly the best in the world, but I also understand that''s not objective. We must respect the market''s choice."


    "Not long ago, Mark, a famous young entrepreneur from Sabin City, acquired 3% of mypany''s shares for two million. I believe this is a rtively reasonable price. What do you think?"


    The Sabin City investors were unable to respond to Lynch''s words. The seventy million valuation was their own publicized figure, and they didn''t dare to ask Mark if he really paid two million.


    If Mark indeed paid two million, these businessmen from Sabin City would face the mayor''s wrath for causing him to lose money.


    So they pinned their hopes on the businessmen from Kund City, hoping they could help lower the price for the first time.


    However, their silence gave the Kund City businessmen the impression that what Lynch had just said was basically the truth. After all, the businessmen from Sabin City didn''t object the statement.


    They didn''t know much about Lynch''spany since it was in another city, and in this age of limitedmunication, people only paid attention to what interested them.


    Moreover, the mayor''s personal secretary, Noah, had subtly indicated his optimism about Lynch''spany, signaling them to acquire part of Lynch''spany shares, enough to secure a seat at the board meetings.


    Once they acquired enough shares, they could force Lynch to invest more in Kund City, creating more jobs, through the pressure from these shareholders.


    It must be said that being a politician in the Federation sometimes wasn''t easy. A qualified politician needed to understand politics and its rules and have sufficient economic knowledge.


    These people came with simple goals. Seeing the other side remain silent, implicitly epting Lynch''s statement, they naturally didn''t say anything either.


    Both sides'' silence somewhat surprised Lynch, who expected them to start suppressing his valuation. He even nned to concede on priceter, splitting the business into threepanies, making them pay the same amount.


    But their tacit eptance made Lynch find them rather adorable, adorably foolish.


    He nodded and patted the sofa''s armrest, essentially finalizing the matter, leaving only the negotiation of the amount and payment method.


    "At least half of it in cash, that''s the bottom line..."


    Finally, someone interrupted Lynch, and it was the businessmen from Sabin City. They felt if they didn''t speak up, the other side would continue to foolishly remain silent, making things irreversible.


    So, they had to speak.


    "That''s impossible, Mr. Lynch." The speaker was a tall, thin businessman.


    Often, when thinking of capitalists, people would imagine slightly balding middle-aged men with greasy skin, but cunning and slick personalities.


    However, this was a product of the times. Most capitalists maintained healthy bodies, with personal managers or others helping them manage their health. They also had enough time and money to use the most advanced and scientific methods to address health issues.


    As some scientists said, the world''s most cutting-edge technological inventions were created to better serve the wealthy, never considering ordinary people.


    Moreover, the more sessful the capitalist, the more disciplined they were. So it was rare to see obese capitalists in this era.


    Lynch looked at him, and the tall, thin man fearlessly met Lynch''s gaze. Considering the significant additional money he stood to lose, he felt like he was bleeding internally. And now, Lynch wanted even more. Naturally, he wouldn''t agree¡ªthere was simply no way.


    After showing strong opposition, his tone softened slightly, "Mr. Lynch, you know the current situation. Cash is increasingly difficult to recover, and we have many other contingencies to handle..."


    Others nodded as well. Recovering funds was difficult, but spending money was easy. Merely paying various sries, utilities, or site management fees each month gave them headaches.


    If Lynch demanded such a high cash ratio, some of them might instantly face cash flow difficulties, even breaking the capital chain.


    So, a 50% cash ratio was absolutely uneptable.


    Lynch looked at him, "Then what do you think is appropriate?"


    The tall, thin man proposed a pre-discussed result, "Around 15%, that''s a reasonable ratio."


    Lynch shook his head, "No, too low. I can''t agree."


    The tall, thin men appeared to confer, then raised the ratio by two points, "17% cash. That''s our utmost sincerity."


    Lynch stood up, patted his trousers, and looked down at them, "I drank some wine tonight, my mind''s a bit foggy. I think we need to reconsider this issue, maybe talk tomorrow or the day after."


    The tall, thin man was resolute, "Even if we talk tomorrow or the day after, this ratio won''t change much."


    Lynch scoffed and left.


    These tricks were known to him early in his career. They didn''t care about thepany''s valuation because they never intended to spend much to buy shares.


    Lynch couldn''t help but feel that Mark was a kind, honest kid, while these seemingly weak capitalists were the true wolves.


    Their tricks weren''t special. Apany''s valueprised many factors, but its worth was a straightforward indicator.


    However, nopany would discuss worth because many operated on bank loans as annual revenue, with debt financing being normal, avoiding the worth topic.


    Apany valued at a hundred billion might have its worth drop to millions, or even negative, upon disclosure.


    Therefore, capitalists cleverly introduced the concept of "expected value" into market valuation, which essentially meant counting potential future earnings into thepany''s current value, creating a short-term market valuation and selling it to people as thepany''s value.


    Even if Lynch valued hispany at 100 million, these businessmen wouldn''t find it troublesome. The solution was simple: they would just create anotherpany valued at 100 million and then exchange shares to acquire a stake in Lynch''spany.


    If this newpany suddenly went bankrupt in the future, it would only be due to poor management, and Lynch shouldn''t me them.


    As for the shares they held in Lynch''spany, they could offset them against third-party debt. In other words, it was possible to take over apany without spending a dime.


    So, no matter how high Lynch valued hispany, these people weren''t worried¡ªthey would always have a way.


    The real headache for them was Lynch''s demand for a cash ratio, which was real money with no room for tricks.


    Be it one-buck bills or hundred-buck bills, cash was cash.


    Their initial n was to acquire at least 30% of Lynch''spany for around two million. However, with the valuation unchanged, they could only manipte the cash ratio.


    Even now, ording to their n, with about three to four million in cash, they could get 35% of Lynch''spany, valued at seventy million.


    It sounded like a fantasy, buying shares worth over twenty million with just three to four million, but this was amon tactic in the capital market. They would use variouspany shares and property rights, supposedly worth around twenty million, for exchange.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 168:

    Chapter 168:


    A brief exchange basically confirmed that the only issue left was the cash ratio. The businessmen in Kund City began an overnight investigation into Lynch and his Interster Trading Company.


    Apany that could be valued at seventy million during an economic downturn was something that was of great interest to any capitalist.


    After several rounds of financing, they could apply for an initial public offering, potentially leading to another wealth legend.


    Detailed information soon appeared before the capitalists of Kund City, including details such as where Lynch was born and who delivered him.


    This was the power of money. When enough was spent, no secret would remain in this world.


    As a result, these people realized the true value of Interster Trading Company.


    However, their "understanding" differed from Lynch''s. To these capitalists, the value of a businessy in its ability to easily secure loans from banks.


    This would make apany''s ounts look impressive. Even if thepany lost ten million in a year, securing a twenty million loan could show a profit of ten million on the financial statements, causing the stock to soar and rapidly increasing their wealth.


    Conscience, morality, ethics¡ªthese had long ceased to exist for capitalists. They pursued only profit and valuable returns.Katherine, suspected to be Lynch''s girlfriend, also caught some eyes. Her name, along with Lynch''s, started appearing on various "lists."


    The power of money was truly astonishing.


    The next day, Lynch helped Katherine find a ce to live near the state university. If she didn''t want to stay on campus, she could live off-campus. He also prepared all the necessary daily essentials for her.


    Seeing some students arriving early at the university, with sses starting next Wednesday, Katherine suddenly felt a bit mncholic.


    At the end of the day, Lynch stood outside the new house. Katherine held his hands, just like years ago, and said, "I don''t know what to say. It still feels like a dream to me, you know?"


    Her voice was somewhat low. "I thought I was really unlucky, but you surprised me. Still, I have to thank you, Lynch."


    The girl''s gem-like eyes gazed at Lynch, filled with curiosity, reluctance, and a growing excitement. "Thank you for everything you''ve done for me. I''ll work hard toplete my studies and make sure your investment is worth it."


    Lynch sighed, pulling the girl into a hug and kissing her forehead. "I have one piece of advice for you: no matter what choices or difficulties you face in the future, never forget your original dreams."


    He stepped back, recalling his own early days when he worked tirelessly, just wanting a bit of money left in his pocket at the end of the month, just wanting to afford the down payment on a small house, just wanting to live a simple life.


    He had never intended to ride the waves; he was forced into it.


    The girl didn''t fully understand, but she kept his words in mind.


    They looked at each other for a moment. Lynch smiled, took another step back, and waved. "Time to say goodbye. I''ll leave now. Call me anytime if you need anything. You know my number."


    The girl nodded, leaning against the door. After another moment of eye contact, Lynch turned and left, his car soon disappearing into the night.


    Perhaps this was the best choice for now. Both of them returned to their paths. If possible, if they both worked hard, those paths might cross again.


    But if neither of them worked hard, they would remain parallel lines forever.


    After solving the girl''s situation, Lynch threw himself into negotiations with the two groups. He now had a significant advantage, using thepetition between the two sides to drive up their offers.


    And just before Lynch returned to Sabin City, things changed again. A newly established Dawn Asset Management Company announced its intention to invest in Lynch''s Interster Trading Company, demanding at least a five percent stake.


    The sudden involvement of a third party disrupted the orderlypetition, making Lynch''s stance even more unpredictable.


    After the meeting, the tall, thin man called Sabin City Social Services Bureau to inquire about Dawn Asset Management Company''s registration information.


    Thispany was undoubtedly based in Sabin City. Their business card had the abbreviation for Sabin City after thepany name. Lynch''s card didn''t have this abbreviation since he considered himself belonging to the whole world, not needing such an abbreviation.


    Most people who needed business cards would add the local name abbreviation to their titles for better recognition. This made Sabin City capitalists a distinct group, proud of their identity.


    Since it was a Sabin Citypany, it fell under the jurisdiction of the Social Services Bureau. The tall, thin man quickly received the response: thepany had a registered capital of one million and was wholly owned.


    So far, thepany had only a sole owner, giving them the right not to disclose further details to the public.


    Even if the tall man spent money and pulled strings, he couldn''t find out more information.


    Some things were easily trampled upon by everyone because, in people''s eyes, this trampling was seen as the right and mostmon thing to do. However, it had shifted from being unreasonable to bing an epted norm.


    But some matters still adhered to the original rules and couldn''t be easily changed, mainly due to people''s consideration for their own safety.


    After mming the phone down, the tall, thin man paced the room while hispanions watched, the atmosphere tense and heavy.


    Lynch insisted that the cash portion should not be less than thirty-three percent, which was hard to ept. In concept, seventeen percent wasn''t far from thirty-three percent. But in reality, it was almost doubled. They''d have to produce twice the cash initially nned to get what they wanted.


    How could they ept that?


    This led to many problems. If they followed the original n and obtained the shares, they''d risk their own business due to the high cash outflow.


    The risks of running a brick-and-mortar business were indeed substantial; whether profitable or not, monthly operating costs couldn''t be avoided.


    If they wanted to keep some cash, they wouldn''t be able to acquire too many shares, possibly epting only ten to fifteen percent, which wouldn''t meet their initial goals.


    They aimed to gain significant influence on the board, which was crucial.


    Despite Lynch currently holding the most shares, once the first round of financing wasplete, his shares would only decrease with each subsequent round. Whetherter investors bought his shares or diluted everyone''s shares, all participants would adhere to an unspoken rule: the founder''s shares should only decrease, never increase.


    This investment principle was akin to an unwritten rule, meant to marginalize founders and take over their wealth.


    Yes, that''s right. Capital harvesting capital was just like that. There was nothing to hide. If it could be done, why fear admitting it?


    Plundering was how capital yed the game, although it was the most criticized method.


    Therefore, they sought about thirty percent of the shares to maintain a significant proportion through multiple financing rounds.


    More shares meant more control in the boardroom, which was key.


    Now things had beplicated. More so, because Dawn Asset Management Company agreed to Lynch''s terms. They signed a letter of intent to acquire five percent of Interster Trading Company''s shares with thirty-three percent cash.


    This meant a little over a million in cash plus some other assets for five percent of the shares.


    If no one agreed, Lynch would have eventuallypromised. That was how business worked: each side would take a step back until both found the terms eptable.


    But now, someone had agreed, signifying that Lynch''s terms were eptable. Trying to negotiate down would be unreasonable, and Lynch could refuse their investment without anyone being able to say otherwise.


    After all, if other people could ept it, why couldn''t they?


    The tall, thin man cursed the troublemaker, vowing to find out who was behind Dawn Asset Management and make them pay if discovered.


    Suddenly, he paused, frowning. "Do you think it''s possible that Lynch himself is behind Dawn Asset Management?"


    After voicing his suspicion, he felt like he had uncovered the truth, speaking faster as he borated.


    "It''s very likely that Lynch registered thatpany in advance with the intention of intervening when necessary to raise our standards. Now, we''re in a difficult position, and he has maintained his bottom line."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 169:

    Chapter 169:


    At this moment, the manager of Dawn Asset Management Company was sitting in Lynch''s room. The manager''s name was Arthur Ellwood. He wasn''t a native of the Baylor Federation but came from another country.


    In the Baylor Federation, people were generally indifferent to names, but not to the extent of having such an unusual one. Additionally, with his slightly brownplexion, it was clear that he was an immigrant.


    Not all immigrants were wealthy; many were middle-ss, andbor immigration was particrly prevalent in recent years.


    A few years ago, the Federation received substantial international investments, leading to a boom in various industries and abor shortage. This situation gave rise to a new industry: human trafficking.


    These so-calledborpanies scoured the world for people willing to work abroad or escape wars, bringing them to the Baylor Federation for heavybor and low-level jobs. This greatly alleviated thebor shortages during the early stages of the Federation''s rapid development.


    As the poptionter migrated from rural areas to cities, thebor shortage eased. However, some people believed that these "illegalborers" were taking jobs that rightfully belonged to the local workforce.


    Consequently, under the influence of the Conservative Party, the Immigration Bureau was established. Many early illegalborers brought in by these traffickers were subsequently caught and sent back.


    Yet, some managed to stay in the Federation; there would always be a few lucky ones.


    Arthur was one of them. Shrewd and smart, he quickly stood out from the ordinaryborers due to his education, literacy, and arithmetic skills. Shortly after arriving in the Federation, he became a foreman.He spent his spare time reading and studying, and early on, he married a local girl¡ªa in-looking but hefty girl weighing over 200 pounds. This marriage helped Arthur avoid deportation and secure a social security number.


    Even so, thebor market still held biases against immigrants. Life was tough for the locals, and even tougher for immigrants.


    When Lynch was recruiting managers, he discovered Arthur, a clever young man.


    At that time, there were many more qualified professional managers with better education and more extensive work experience than Arthur. However, none of them caught Lynch''s eye.


    Instead, this young man piqued Lynch''s interest. It wasn''t Arthur''s background that intrigued him, but his smile.


    It was hard to describe that smile. Lynch''s smile was clean, transparent, sunny, and filled with cheerfulness and confidence. It was like a spring breeze melting the winter frost, making people feel the warmth of revival and instantly like him.


    Arthur''s smile, on the other hand, was like a flower stubbornly blooming despite the autumn frost, strong and full of courage. It gave the impression of reliability, tenacity, and an indomitable spirit.


    This kind of smile was very inspiring, making people feel motivated just by looking at it.


    Lynch valued this smile. He knew that in any business, legal or otherwise, the first step was alwaysmunication and interaction.


    One might have the highest qualifications and have held important positions, but would a picky and difficult client appreciate them more for that when sitting face-to-face? Not necessarily. A smile was the most powerful weapon, quickly and non-verbally breaking down defenses. That was the ultimate weapon.


    Everything else could be trained with hard work, but this unique quality in a smile was hard toe by.


    Lynch spent half his life mastering such a smile, while this young man seemed to have it naturally. Sometimes, one could only envy others'' talents.


    Lynch decisively hired Arthur, making him a manager of several of hispanies.


    The tall, thin guy wasn''t wrong; Arthur and Dawn Asset Management Company were backed by Lynch.


    In the heavy topic of capital plundering, the nature of capital was always harsh. Perhaps they weren''t like this initially, but now they''d epted reality.


    So, could this plundering be countered?


    Yes, it could. The simplest method was to establish otherpanies to hold cross-shareholdings. Like now, Lynch used another of hispanies to acquire shares in Interster Trading Company. From Interster Trading Company''s perspective, his shareholding was gradually decreasing.


    But in reality, apart from the shares he actually sold, he hadn''t lost much control.


    These smallpanies usually remained silent, but when critical decisions needed to be made, and Lynch needed support, thesepanies would stand by him¡ªno doubt, because they were hispanies.


    This way, he could still retain significant decision-making power, preparing for the future, as he nned to split thispany and raise funds again.


    An old man once told him that selling something at a high price wasn''t a remarkable skill; many could do it with the right timing and reason. The true remarkable skill was selling something at a high price repeatedly without breaking thew.


    At this moment, Arthur sat on the sofa opposite Lynch, curiously and reflectively looking at Lynch''s calm face.


    It was hard for him to imagine that someone who had just yed two groups of capitalists had no trace of pride on his face. This made Arthur reflect deeply.


    Over the years, he had done many different jobs and met many people, but this was the first time he had seen someone so young achieve such a scale.


    Initially, he thought Lynch might be from a wealthy family or an agent of some conglomerate, as such things weremon. For example, everyone knew that Mark, the tycoon, was just a frontman, and he was only a few years older than Lynch.


    But soon, Arthur realized Lynch only worked for himself, not anyone''s puppet, which surprised him.


    Today was just another part of his daily surprises.


    "Tomorrow, when you return to Sabin City, publicize our deal. Make it big, buy some newspaper space, and include the acquisition of the newly established transportpany..."


    Lynch instructed Arthur on his next tasks. The immigrant manager quickly took notes, not daring to be careless, feeling this was a significant opportunity in his life. He believed he could learn many useful things from Lynch that couldn''t be learned elsewhere.


    Lynch had established a separate transportpany for Cook and other truck drivers, holding 90% of the shares, with the remaining shares incentivized to the entire transport team, with distribution rights given to Cook.


    This transportpany would be acquired by Dawn Asset Management Company, which would sign an exclusive transport agreement with Lynch, handling Interster Trading Company''s intrastate transport work.


    Considering issues in the "Anti-Unfair Competition Law," the contract duration was short, only three years, far from legal thresholds.


    It must be said that the Baylor Federation''s legalplexities almost made Lynch give up reading them further.


    In short, for the next three years, as long as both partiesplied, the transportpany acquired by Dawn Asset Management Company would handle Interster Trading Company''s intrastate transport business.


    And because all this was done before the investors bought shares, the new shareholders naturally couldn''t alter or interfere with these contractster unless they paid millions in breach fees.


    This was just part of the n, not the whole, and didn''t even count as deception since Lynch would disclose these contract details before they invested.


    Knowing these conditions, if they still chose to invest, it meant they epted the agreement, and thew would side with Lynch.


    Additionally, Arthur was tasked with setting up another constructionpany, as Interster Trading Company would have many construction projects. It was better to benefit his ownpany than others''.


    Even if the newpanycked the track record to take onrge projects in the short term, they could still "win" the bid and subcontract the work, saving additional money in the process.


    Satisfied with learning about society''s harsh realities, Arthur returned to his room to study Lynch''s thoughts and guidance.


    The next day, local businessmen persuaded Lynch to stay despite his ns to leave.


    Dawn Asset Management Company''s involvement set the bottom line. After discussing with Noah, Kund City''s businessmen gave up trying to secure the majority of shares and instead aimed for participation rights, signing a new agreement with Lynch.


    They acquired 5% of Interster Trading Company''s shares with a 40% cash ratio, including a supplementary use granting them priority in future financing rounds.


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 Chapter 170:

    Chapter 170:


    "Wood..." While dining with friends, Wood heard someone call his name. Surprised, he turned his head and discovered it was his former ssmate.


    After enrolling in the police academy, Wood was transferred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation as an undercover agent, a fact known by very few, even excluding his parents.


    To many, Wood seemed no different from an ordinary person. In the current context of the Baylor Federation, a police academy was even considered less prestigious than some specialized technical schools for training workers.


    Being a police officer was a dangerous job with low pay. To ordinary people, a police officer seemed less promising than a plumber, a sentiment only police officers themselves might disagree with.


    Wood wasn''t recruited by the Sabin City Police Department, a fact that prompted his parents to celebrate with a bottle of wine. Compared to the dangers of being a police officer, a security guard seemed a better choice.


    So, no one knew that Wood had actually be an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, not even his closest family members.


    The sry from the bureau of investigation was transferred to his superior via a special fund, and then deposited into a secret ount. This money wouldn''t be activated unless Wood''s undercover mission was either sessful or failedpletely. Tracing spending records wasn''t just a capability of the police; some criminal organizations could do it too.


    A single ount could reveal too much information, so Wood had to rely on money earned during his undercover period to live.


    To most people, Wood''s life seemed simr to theirs: after wasting his youth, he stepped into society without learning much. However, he was lucky and became a sessful businessman, at least that''s how he exined it to his family. When he showed a bankbook with tens of thousands of bucks, they were stunned.Their first thought wasn''t how capable Wood was, but whether they should turn him in and seek leniency from a judge through awyer. This kind of situation wasmon in lower-ss families: a child suddenly returned home with a bag of money, then took a different path and eventually faded away in the darkest nights of their prime.


    Fortunately, Wood exined it clearly and even introduced his "followers" to his family, which made them proud of him.


    Due to Richard''s departure, Wood, who had always been lucky, won first ce at the auction that had just ended two days ago.


    However, it might be that the local second-hand goods market''s desire for consumption was dwindling under the social consumerism enthusiasm (specifically, public opinion), the auction''s revenue dropped to just over 370,000 bucks.


    As a result, even though Wood was the first-ce winner, he still only earned about 3,000; nevertheless, that amount still seemed hopelessly out of reach for many people. Additionally, perhaps Lynch forgot about the celebration or had other ns, Wood and the others didn''t have the same party as before.


    So with Monday avable, Wood gathered the boys and found a barbecue restaurant to "splurge" a bit.


    Unlike Lynch, Wood wasn''t wealthy enough to ensure everyone''s happiness, but he could fill their bellies, which they greatly appreciated. Many of them had been on the brink of starvation before joining Wood.


    As Wood''s genuine smile grew, a somewhat unfamiliar, almost forgotten voice reached him.


    He nced back and saw Terry, a high school ssmate who had been doing quite well back then.


    There were always students like Terry in schools who seemed to have no connection with book knowledge but thrive in society.


    Most normal students looked down on such individuals, believing they''d only end up in the lowest jobs because that''s what society and teachers always preached as the universal truth.


    However, once everyone stepped into society, they realized that some things were entirely different from what they had learned in school.


    This of course did not include those who went to university. Only those talented people were recognised as "students" by teachers and society, destined to be social elites upon graduation; those below university level did not count.


    Those who looked down on Terry mostly ended up serving him, as evidenced by his summer outfit worth over a hundred bucks.


    As Wood stood up, two young men noticed something unusual and wanted to join him, but Wood stopped them.


    To many, Wood was just an ordinary salesperson or Lynch''s partner. Young, unremarkable, but only he knew the training he had undergone and his current identity.


    He had no fear of Terry, who was in a gang, but felt a special, strong emotion inside.


    "Terry." As Wood looked at Terry, dressed in an expensive summer outfit with two gold rings on his fingers, he noticed one of the rings had a seven-pointed star on its face. Additionally, there was also a seven-pointed star tattooed on Terry''s left neck.


    This symbol represented the local gang known as the Seven Stars, involved in operating a prostitution ring with numerous members under theirmand.


    Rumours had it that both the police department and the bureau of investigation had looked into this gang, but they didn''t find sufficient evidence. Combined with certain unique social factors, they ultimately didn''t take action against them.


    Many girls working for them came from very poor families and needed money; they weren''t procured by the Seven Stars through illegal or hical means.


    The Seven Stars only provided a tform, and in the eyes of some, they even protected these girls engaged in personal charitable assistance businesses, helping them avoid harm from certain individuals.


    The authorities temporarily tolerated the existence of this gang. After all, with them around, some vulnerable, innocent girls were less likely to face harm.


    This ironic reality was contrary tomon sense and full of satire.


    Terry nodded, sizing up Wood, and yfully punched his shoulder. Though the punch was light, Wood''s followers all stood up immediately, surprising Terry.


    He looked at Wood, who gestured for his followers to sit back down.


    "Who are you with now?" Terry asked, thinking Wood had also gone down this path. This made him sigh inwardly with mixed emotions.


    In fact, people like Terry had deeper memories of school and ssmates than most, so much so that he was able to recognize Wood at first sight even after years apart.


    "I''m in sales now. What about you? How''s it going?" Wood took out a pack of cigarettes, offering one to Terry, and they stepped outside to talk.


    Terry had done fairly well, bing a captain in the Seven Stars, a mid-to-high-level position with real power.


    Terry, however, was dismissive of his achievements. "Times are tough now. We don''t make much money, but there''s plenty of trouble..." He sighed with emotion.


    He initially didn''t want to go into detail, but thinking about Wood, his former ssmate, and the school and ss that had left him with unforgettable memories despite their limited interactions, he decided to give him a heads-up.


    "You know, it''s the same for everyone, and some people are on the verge of losing it. It''s best not to go to secluded ces after dark..." He took a drag of his cigarette. "No, don''t go out after dark."


    This puzzled Wood, but he nodded in agreement.


    Soon, a car pulled up. Terry flicked away his cigarette, said goodbye to Wood, and quickly drove off.


    Watching the car disappear, Wood returned to the barbecue restaurant, deep in thought.


    Later, Wood called his superior to discuss his conversation with Terry.


    As an undercover agent, he had to report any intelligence promptly unless he had defected or was temporarily unable to. Normally, he had to contact his superior or liaison every few days.


    His superior, after hearing the news, was not surprised and exined. "With the poor economy, gangs are struggling too. They can''t collect money but have many members to support."


    "This situation actually happens every few years. Soon, the gangs will startrge-scale conflicts. But don''t worry, someone will clean up the mess."


    In a way, Fox and his son should thank the bureau of investigation and the Federal Tax Bureau for handling many of theirpetitors, sparing them from simr conflicts. Otherwise, they''d be in a simr situation now.


    Furthermore, aside from the reduced number ofpetitors this year, the implementation of the "Lynch method," which guided the remaining financialpanies in Sabin City on how to legitimize their previously illicit operations, also contributed significantly to the industry''s stability this year.


    However, other gangs involved in different operations weren''t doing so well. Therger their previous territories, the more challenging their circumstances became. Besides fighting to seize more profitable territories and businesses to exploit, they didn''t have many good options.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 171:

    Chapter 171:


    Chapter 171


    "Things haven''t been greattely. Try not to go out after dark."


    Ferrall showed up soon after Lynch returned to Sabin City, casually mentioning some recent issues with public safety. He advised Lynch to stay indoors after sunset.


    Sometimes it seemed absurd. Baylor Federation, the most technologically advanced country on this and with a highly developed economy, had an rmingly high crime rate.


    Every year, arge number of unsolved cases piled up, filling several industrial warehouses¡ªyes, those that were about ten to twenty meters high and cover thousands of square meters.


    Each shelf was crammed with various files and evidence. But unless there was a breakthrough, those cases would remain untouched, and eventually be forgotten. Those records of crime would then be burned to ashes under the watchful eyes of many involved, illuminating the city... or maybe just a few light bulbs, considering the efficiency of fire-generated electricity.


    So unless a case had a significant social impact, it would be left unsolved if no quick breakthroughs were made.


    With the emergence of various societal issues, the crime rate started to soar. Some of the unemployed and desperately poor began taking risks. ording to the Sabin City Police Department, the incidence of theft had been explosively increasing since three years ago, with no sign of abating.


    Every day, dozens of theft cases were logged into the police records via the reporting system. There were likely many more thefts unreported because those affected had nothing left to steal and thus saw no point in angering the thieves.For instance, in the burry case Lynch reported, the police only took notes and made no special effort to resolve it. They merely reminded certain fences to watch for highly identifiable stolen goods.


    This was because the officer who took Lynch''s statement had a good impression of him. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have wasted a call to spread the word, and the case would have been forgotten.


    Violent crimes, robberies, and other serious offenses were also on the rise, making the city increasingly unsafe.


    "Why not organize a force to clean out these gang members?" Lynch asked curiously. To him, solving the crime rate seemed simple, or at least not too difficult.


    Ferrall smiled and shook his head, seeing Lynch''s question as naive. "You might not know, but in the first half of the year, the local police spent about three hundred to a thousand bucks in manpower and resources per case, whether they were solved or not."


    "You know how the federal judicial system works. Sometimes, even if you know the answer, you can''t do anything about it. You must follow the legal procedures and rules."


    "This indirectly increases the cost of solving cases. For a sessfully solved robbery case, the police department spends about two thousand bucks, and solving a murder case can sometimes cost tens of thousands. If you wanted to solve every issue in the city, the city hall would immediately dere bankruptcy."


    "So we only selectively solve certain cases. It''s not that we don''t want to, but we simply can''t."


    Ferrall understood these intricacies well. As he was striving to be the next mayor, he often paid attention to these matters and kept them in mind.


    In fact, gangs, to some extent, helped the police maintain social order. At least the gangs, the police, and the politicians shared the same goal: stability, because stability would bring more money.


    Shifting the topic, Ferrall congratted Lynch on his recent sess in Kund City on behalf of the mayor.


    Therge transaction volume had validated the "policy" pushed by Sabin City''s mayor, Mr. Langdon. The enthusiastic public support was the best proof, drawing attention from the state and the Progressive Party.


    Now, any policy that could improve people''s lives and was proven effective would garner significant attention, like the credit loans that would start in October.


    Some things the politicians could participate in and gain dominance over, but others they could not. This selective approach allowed them to prefer controlling what remained within their grasp.


    The governor''s office had asked Sabin City''s mayor to submit a report on the positive social impact of promoting second-hand goods transactions and idle goods exchange.


    Other states might soon start simr auctions if things went as expected.


    They might not understand innovation or key opportunities, but copying was innate.


    The mayor had gained substantial political capital because of this. He hadn''t expected that using Lynch''srge audience for his speech would turn out so advantageous.


    Of course, the mayor wouldn''t forget Lynch''s contribution. He even considered getting closer to Lynch.


    Ferrall''s visit this time was mainly for this. He needed Lynch to provide broader perspectives and exin the positive societal value of revitalizing second-hand goods.


    Additionally, there was another matter. The tall, thin man and his associates hoped the mayor could pressure Lynch to agree to lower the cash ratio in their investment. They felt they hadpromised enough, believing that reducing the cash ratio to twenty-five percent showed their sincerity; they hoped a middleman could help themplete this deal.


    "This is just me conveying their thoughts, not representing my or the mayor''s stance." Ferrall rified cautiously, indicating Lynch could refuse without offending him or the mayor.


    Clearly, Lynch''s value was higher than the others''. The mayor knew how to choose. By conveying the message, he was merely acknowledging the tall, thin man''s political support and donations.


    Whether Lynch agreed or not was Lynch''s business. Everyone knew Baylor Federation was a free country, with freedom enshrined in its constitution. No one could interfere with another''s pursuit of freedom, not even the mayor.


    Lynch nodded and smiled faintly, but Ferrall sensed refusal in it.


    Though he usually avoided irrelevant topics, he couldn''t help himself this time. "I''m just curious¡­," he began abruptly, looking at Lynch. Lynch''s nod allowed him to continue. "I heard their offer wasn''t low. Why refuse?"


    Lynch''s calm gaze made Ferrall''s spine and scalp tingle. Just as Ferrall thought of changing the topic, Lynch spoke. "If someone thinks you''re young and tries to teach you a lesson, like saying you''re too young to run for mayor and persuades you to quit, would youpromise?"


    "Even if they promise to support you next time, but you must step down this time, would you?"


    "This is a war, Ferrall. There''s no peace in the business world. Today I give an inch, tomorrow I lose everything."


    "Even if we''re all members of the Progressive Party and in the same camp, if given a chance to swallow them, I''d do it without hesitation. I believe they''d do the same."


    Ferrall didn''t pursue the topic further, knowing it was over. He soon took his leave.


    Half an hourter, Ferrall reported his findings and Lynch''s attitude to the mayor.


    The mayor frowned, drumming his fingers rhythmically on the table. Already having enough troubles, he didn''t want any more conflicts among the businessmen in his city,


    Though indifferent to their fate, each businessman supported many ordinary citizens who relied on their jobs. If conflicts with Lynch intensified, it could cause unforeseen issues.


    Neo had applied for a relocation order for Listoan Group to move to the neighboring state that belonged to the Conservative Party. Even a member of the president''s cab urged the governor not to hinder Neo and expedite the process.


    Oncepleted, Neo would leave, but a mess would remain.


    Ignoring the soaring unemployment, the anger of the jobless could tear the mayor apart.


    The governor had privately discussed this with the mayor. The conflict wasn''t just between Sabin City and Listoan but also between the governor and Listoan. In order to relocate quickly, Neo had used some unfriendly resources to exert pressure on the governor, which offended the governor.


    The governor told the mayor that even if Listoan left, he wouldn''t let them leave easily, and he would make them pay for their actions.


    Compared to this, Lynch''s investment dispute with other businessmen seemed petty to the mayor.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 172:

    Chapter 172:


    Once the pinnacle of Listoan Group, the conference room now seemed somewhat deste.


    During Listoan Group''s peak, even without extra chairs, shareholders were willing to stand here during meetings, listening to Neo and other board members'' opinions.


    Even though these individuals couldn''t speak or move during the meetings, they were more than willing to be there.


    But now, many chairs in the room remained empty. Combined with the rumors outside, an indescribable mood spread among the few in the meeting room.


    Gap pushed his sses up, taking a seat at the far end. As a crucial partner in the group, he had received an invitation from CEO Neo to attend this confidential closed-door meeting.


    Moreover, there would be no meeting records. In other words, whatever happened in this meeting would not leak through official or unofficial channels; even if it did, no one would admit it.


    This was a meeting that would never appear in Listoan Group''s history, indicating it was indeed exceptional.


    Neo, seated at the center, checked his watch, while downstairs the security also nced at their wrists. Watches worth hundreds of thousands and watches worth a few bucks all pointed to the same time. The security closed the door, and Neo''s face lit up with a slight smile.


    He looked at the employees seated around the conference table. Each of them was considered "important" within Listoan Group, holding secrets about various aspects of thepany.For example... His gaze rested on Gap at the end of the table. The reason for singling out Gap at first nce was because Gap didn''t look around, which was also a subconscious action.


    Looking selectively left or right would suggest targeting someone, while looking straight ahead would not.


    Sensing the CEO''s gaze, Gap smiled humbly and nodded slightly in submission.


    Neo nodded nomittally and began the agenda of today''s meeting. "You all know there have been rumors circtingtely, and those rumors happen to be true."


    "I''ve submitted an application to the governor for the corporate relocation order. We should receive approval within a month or so, and by the first half of next year, we''llplete all relocation tasks."


    His tone was deliberate and clear, exuding confidence. He had a strong presence that conveyed calm andposure. "For everything that has happened recently, I know many of you are confused. Now I tell you, all of this was nned by me."


    The atmosphere in the meeting room shifted slightly. Listoan Group''s stock had plummeted forty percent in just a week due to a rift with the mayor of Sabin City and the governor, affecting even the Baylor Industrial Index.


    Following this, Neo, on behalf of the board, submitted a delisting application. Listoan Group''s stock plunged again. Meanwhile, Neo and his associates took advantage of the low prices to buy back over seventy percent of the stocks this week.


    The remaining twenty percent was dispersed among long-term investors and inactive ounts.


    Some were simply investing in thepany itself, not just its stocks. Some were gambling, refusing to believe Listoan Group would simply disappear, banking on its relisting.


    Regardless, delisting was now inevitable, and Neo could move on to the next step.


    His words were meant to dispel any misgivings among those present. These individuals were crucial yet difficult to trustpletely. Dismissing them was not an option for thepany, as any one of them might decide to divulge critical information, dragging thepany down with them.


    He needed to stabilize their morale, preventing them from seeking opportunities through betrayal. Instead, he would offer them opportunities directly.


    "Thepany''s performance hasn''t been optimal for a few years now. We''ve been seeking new breakthroughs and ensuring steady development on the technological front."


    "Our recent opportunityes from EverBright Group. If we can absorb some of their core industries, we can quickly turn the situation around. However, as you all know, we''ve hit a deadlock with the city hall and state government."


    "If we don''t change course soon, we won''tst much longer. Therefore, the board and I have decided to shed all burdens and start anew."


    He nced down, picked up a document from the table, skimmed through it, then looked around the table again. "I know some of you may have reservations about this, but that''s not important."


    "What''s important is that once we move to our new location, we''ll be shedding at least 4,400 direct employees and approximately 7,000 others indirectly associated with us."


    "This is currently Listoan Group''s heaviest expenditure, with most of our profits going towards paying these individuals'' sries."


    "Once we rid ourselves of this burden, even without EverBright Group''s core business, we can easily pivot and regain our former glory."


    He set the document back down on the table. "After our n isplete, Listoan Group will reapply for listing, making your shares exceptionally valuable!"


    A faint, almost ironic smile yed at Neo''s lips, adding a subtle twist to his words. Yet what mattered was the renewed liveliness in the room.


    His tone rxed. "In light of your support for thepany and me during this time, I''ve decided to allocate additional shares as a reward for your loyalty, based on factors such as your tenure, rank, and job responsibilities within thepany."


    The atmosphere grew more rxed; many faces brightened with smiles. Those in high positions feared nothing more than a sudden downfall.


    With more debates about Listoan Group outside, their uncertainties only deepened.


    Fortunately, CEO Neo had now rified matters personally, and they filled in gaps in Neo''s exnation themselves. For instance, Neo''s earlier secrecy was to prevent leaks, not due to negligence.


    The human brain worked in mysterious ways sometimes. They didn''t even have to consciously find excuses for Neo or the board; these thoughts simply surfaced naturally.


    Despite whatever else was going on, this was ultimately a good thing: stable lives and more profits, all from moving to a different ce.


    The meeting continued with more detailed discussions, urging everyone to maintain stability in their departments and scheduling meetings with key department members, awaiting further instructions.


    The meeting wasn''t long. After it ended, Neo''s secretary brought over a list. The confident smile on Neo''s face had now turned into a cold, masked anger.


    Four people on the list hadn''t attended the meeting. Like Gap and others, they held potentially incriminating evidence against Listoan Group and had been directly involved.


    This wasmon inrge corporations; for smooth progress, challenges were inevitable.


    Some challenges could be addressed through legitimate means, such as those from other yers, or through unforeseen obstacles.


    Yet some were harder to handle, like irrational individuals among the masses or matters handled by Gap that required more delicate solutions to non-human issues.


    With these issues came those directly involved. Now, with four individuals not attending, Neo was very displeased.


    If they leaked anything to the mayor of Sabin City or the state government, it could jeopardize his uing opportunities.


    After a moment, he adjusted his features and asked his secretary to leave before making a call to the head of corporate security.


    Seven to eight minutester, a bald-headed, stern-faced middle-aged man entered the room.


    Neo handed him the list. "Find out what these people are up to. Check their recent contacts and intentions."


    The head of corporate security nced at the list and then back at Neo. "If..."


    Neo turned to look at arge oil painting on the office wall depicting a medieval scene of a government suppressing a riot known as the Canned Rebellion, with many heads lined up on the executioner''s tform and more awaiting execution.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 173:

    Chapter 173:


    "Goodbye, Mr. Gap."


    Gap bid farewell to all the employees in the office, then began to check some ledgers, putting them back in ce and leaving inspection records before locking the safe and office door.


    This was part of his daily routine. He didn''t actually need to do these tasks, but he chose to. He believed it was necessary; at the very least, if any problems arose, he could quickly trace them back to a specific time and the person responsible.


    As the lights in the empty room went out, the smile on his face disappeared, reced by an expression of irritation and worry.


    After a meeting with CEO Neo, Gap learned more detailed internal information, which slightly stabilized his mood, but another emotion was brewing.


    Before leaving work, the CEO''s secretary informed Gap that Neo wanted to see him in his office.


    Gap adjusted his attire and saw Neo in the CEO''s office. Neo was very polite, even offering him a Colofu, and assigned him a task.


    But this task was not easy toplete.


    "You know, I recently had some unpleasantness with the mayor and the governor." Neo said in the office at that time.As a subordinate, Gap could only nod and listen, while Neo continued with a smile, "So, if I apply to relocate out of this state, they will definitely make things difficult for us. They will try every possible way to prevent us from moving smoothly, no matter what means."


    After saying this, Neo paused for a moment before continuing, "Gap, you are a very ambitious young man. I''ve heard that you often workte voluntarily and are very united with your colleagues. This is a good thing. I believe you have been rewarded by bing a corporate partner."


    "What I need you to do next is to prove your value to all of us. They will definitelye to audit the ounts. You must ensure that these ounts have no errors, or at least, if there are any problems, they are not within your purview. Can you do that?"


    Faced with such a question, what else could Gap do but nod?


    Even if he felt a bit guilty, he could only tough it out.


    Neo then told him that if he could solve this problem, once they reached the new location, he would propose to the board that Gap be promoted to a senior partner of thepany, allowing him to attend board meetings.


    This promise did not give Gap as much motivation as it used to. Of course, he pretended to be very excited and eager, actively assuring Neo that he could definitelyplete the task.


    The dim lighting in the underground parking lot made him feel inexplicably afraid. His hands were a bit unsteady, dropping the car keys when trying to open the door and again when trying to insert them into the ignition.


    He didn''t know why he felt a sudden panic, as if something was crashing wildly inside his heart, causing him to suddenly lose all strength.


    In a sudden outburst, he mmed the steering wheel as if to vent his emotions.


    But the sudden honking that followed startled him.


    In the deathly quiet of the underground carpark, the abrupt honking was so unexpected that it made him shudder.


    Hey on the steering wheel for a while, the outburst of emotions gradually subsiding. Then he picked up the keys, inserted them into the ignition, started the car, and slowly drove towards the exit.


    At a ce like the headquarters of the Listoan Group, the parking lot security guards were naturally familiar with every vehicle parked there. Usually, when Gap''s car approached, the guard would raise the barrier without him needing to stop.


    But today was different. As his car reached the barrier, it did not rise. To his surprise, the guard, who never left the booth, came out and knocked on the car window.


    Gap was stunned for a second or two before rolling down the tinted ss.


    "Mr. Gap?" The guard looked at his notebook and then at Gap, as if confirming his identity.


    This was an unfamiliar guard. Gap nodded, "Is there something wrong?"


    The guard made some marks in his notebook, or so it seemed from Gap''s perspective, then looked up with a smile, "No, sir. I''m just getting familiar with my new job. I''m sorry for dying you."


    The guard''s eyes quickly nced at the back seat of Gap''s car before returning to his notebook. "I''ll raise the barrier now. Have a good night, Mr. Gap."


    Gap nodded, did not roll up the window, and drove out of the underground parking lot.


    The sweltering summer heat was still oppressive at night. The hot wind made Gap, who was driving, tear off his tie. He felt very irritated, an inexplicable unease making him restless.


    Fear, panic, hatred, disgust, anger...


    A lot of negative emotions made him sensitive and irritable. This started after his private conversation with Neo.


    He knew very well that this was the biggest crisis of his life. When a local government used national power to do something, it was almost impossible to stop it.


    Neo wanted him to ensure there were no issues with the ounts. He could probably achieve this, making thepany''s ounts spotless, but he couldn''t control the ounts of others.


    It was a simple principle: if they sold a hundred items to anotherpany, the ounts might look perfect, but he couldn''t alter the receivingpany''s records.


    How many items were sold, the price of each item, when they were received, who handled it¡ªall could be checked from the otherpany''s records.


    If everything was colluded, then they would check the bank transactions.


    If there were no issues with individual ount changes, they would check overall transactions. If the overall transactions were fine, they would check time periods. If the time periods were fine, they would trace it to a higher level. If there was a problem in the ounts, it could be found.


    Previously, he could be confident that the ounts he handled had no problems, based on the principle that Listoan was the pir industry of Sabin City. Local protectionism meant that even if there were some issues, they would be overlooked.


    But once they lost this crucial protection, many things would change.


    The simplest example was the copse of EverBright Group. No one expected it to fall so suddenly. Their management was top-notch, including financial professionals, one of whom was even featured in early versions of professional textbooks.


    But even they couldn''t withstand a federal investigation. Could Listoan?


    He didn''t know. He only knew that he was very scared and couldn''t even focus on driving.


    It was past nine when Gap finally drove home. He walked upstairs wearily after opening the door, uninterested in anything.


    Vera, sitting on the sofa watching TV, nced back at Gap and asked, "Did someone beat you up?"


    Gap had a noticeable bruise around his eye, and the second button on his cor, along with a small piece of fabric, was torn off. This disheveled appearance was a first.


    Even though Vera didn''t want to engage with him, she couldn''t help but ask.


    Gap snorted, shaking his head as he walked upstairs. Just before closing the bedroom door, he said defensively, "I didn''t get beat up; I got into a fight."


    His tone carried a hint of pride, a strange sense of self-respect. Vera quickly turned her attention back to the TV show. If he could still argue, it meant Gap''s situation wasn''t too bad.


    Actually, he had a minor altercation while waiting at a traffic light. When the light turned green, he was lost in thought about work, and the car behind him started honking incessantly, interrupting his thoughts.


    He angrily leaned out the window, swore a few times, and made a gesture known throughout the federation. The honking stopped immediately.


    At any other time, Gap would never behave so rudely, but today he couldn''t help it.


    A shirtless, bearded man got out of the car behind him. Normally, Gap would have driven off quickly, but today he wasn''t in the right mood. He turned off the engine and...


    Maybe taking a real punch made him realize that there were many things he couldn''t resist. He also understood that if things went wrong, Neo and the board members would be the first to suffer.


    He was just a poor ountant with no power to choose.


    After the fight, he felt somewhat relieved. He stopped thinking about certain things. While showering, he even hummed a tune.


    After his shower, Gap went straight to the study in his pajamas. He opened the safe and hesitated while looking at the documents he should have disposed of.


    Once the "work" began, keeping things here might be risky. He debated whether to dispose of them or store them elsewhere.


    Besides these documents, there were other items in the safe that needed to be moved, some rted to thepany, some not.


    After making a list, he went to the living room, sat on the sofa, and looked at his wife.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 174:

    Chapter 174:


    Initially, Gap took the copies of the original ledgers home with the intention of using his spare time to modify them more reasonably.


    He didn''t see this as a criminal act. At that time, Listoan Group was still one of the most importantpanies in Sabin City. As an ountant, he knew very well the crucial symbiotic rtionship between enterprises and the government.


    It was even possible that the city hall would support Listoan Group in modifying their books to avoid being implicated in the EverBright Group scandal.


    As for the discrepancies between the two sets of books?


    That wouldn''t be an issue. It would merely be seen as someone attempting to bring down the pir industrial group of Sabin City through despicable means, causing Sabin citizens to lose their jobs and leaving tens of thousands of families without security.


    Not to mention, the city hall and the mayor himself wouldn''t agree to this, nor would the citizens of Sabin City. This exemplified the value and power of local protectionism.


    Thosepanies that would never losewsuits on their own turf and those that would never face local legal troubles weren''t above thew.


    It was simply that the value of their continued existence far outweighed the value of their downfall. While their existence might harm some capitalists, it would benefit the majority of ordinary people, so they must continue to exist.


    However, the situation was different now. Both the city hall and the state government were dissatisfied with the group. The original ledgers in Gap''s possession, which were not a big issue initially, now became a hot potato.Rationally, it would be more appropriate to destroy them. Without these original ledgers, even if issues were found in the group''s ounts, it would take a long time to verify, leading to a prolonged investigation period.


    The legal procedures involved would be so lengthy that many people would gradually forget about it. By then, the group might have already relocated, but some of their investigation applications might not even be fully approved.


    Yet, a voice in Gap''s mind told him he must keep these ledgers. It was a small habit for someone who frequently dealt with numbers to have a backup n.


    In case something really happened, it was always good to have a contingency.


    The next day, Vera used her registered foreign bank ount to open a cross-border settlement ount at Prosperity Bank in Sabin City. She also opened a safe deposit box under the foreign ount, using a password for authentication.


    This was amon service. Currently, there was no truly international currency of substantial significance. Withinrge regions, there might be a rtively unified currency, but international settlements stillcked a mainstreammon currency.


    In cross-border trade, merchants would often entrust currency settlements to banks with foreign exchange qualifications. While many banks imed to have such qualifications, there were still differences among them.


    Vera registered a corporate ount, making it easier for her to handle legal tax avoidance for herself or her clients. In the Baylor Federation, almost all registered ountants had a few such channels or ounts.


    Thanks to Gap''s rtively sessful career and high-level contacts, Vera had also registered such an offshore ount.


    She then sent the ledgers Gap gave her, along with some incriminating evidence, to Prosperity Bank for safekeeping.


    The conditions for opening such a safe deposit box were often unique, involving some sort of seal or mechanism, much like in films where a torn banknote was used as a key.


    Moremonly, however, it was a password. With the correct password, anyone could open the box.


    Conversely, without the password, no one could easily open these boxes, even if everyone knew there might be something illegal inside.


    Even applying for this power from the court was a long process. The bank''s legal department would do its utmost to prevent the court and judges from approving these applications to ensure customer privacy, which was crucial for the bank''s reputation.


    After handling everything, Vera arrived at her office.


    The entire finance office had expanded more than twice its original size. Beside her role as the head of the finance department, she had recruited over twenty employees.


    Some worked in the office, while others were distributed among different subsidiaries, holding important positions.


    As she walked in, no matter how busy people were, they would stop to greet her with a smile, giving Vera a unique sense of fulfillment. She couldn''t quite describe it, but she was happy because her work and abilities were recognized.


    Shortly after she sat down, she nced at a few documents on her desk waiting for her signature. Before she could review them, her secretary knocked on the door.


    Every day after Vera arrived at the office, her secretary, who was also her schoolmate, would bring her a freshly brewed cup of coffee.


    Alumni associations, sororities, and fraternities were prevalent throughout the Baylor Federation and were considered some of the most reliable rtionships.


    Before this, Vera had little contact with this junior schoolmate and didn''t even know her. But when she needed a secretary, her first thought was to contact her university sorority.


    They rmended this girl, and Vera epted.


    "Leave it there," she said with a smile. As she looked at the girl, whose face showed a mix of caution and admiration, her heavy heart felt a bit lighter.


    The girl ced the coffee cup and saucer on the corner of the desk. Instead of leaving immediately, she conveyed that Lynch had juste by and hoped Vera could visit his office when she had time.


    Lynch rarely called Vera. If he needed something, he woulde over himself. Sometimes, Vera would tell him there was no need for him to make the trip.


    She felt that Lynch frequentlying to her office would inevitably lead to spection, and also thought it was unnecessary as a phone call would be more convenient.


    However, what Vera didn''t expect was Lynch''s response, "If people always see youing into my office, what will they think?"


    "They will think that you used your pretty face to get to your current position, and even... It''s unfair to you."


    "But if I go to your office, they won''t have such thoughts. They might just think I like you, but they won''t view you with disdain."


    "We all know there''s a lot of unfairness in society, but we can''t change it; we can only try to avoid it."


    If not for being married, being much older than Lynch, and having a child, Vera might have considered Lynch.


    At least he knew how to respect women and cared for her in a way Vera had never experienced. Few people in society would do that.


    A young man who knew how to please people was hard not to like, though the liking was purely tonic.


    Vera nodded reservedly. After the secretary left, she sipped her coffee, nced at the documents on her desk, and then headed to Lynch''s office.


    They were currently renting an office from a financialpany that had been disbanded for viting some regtions. This office would be auctioned off after all illegal activities were dealt with.


    In the meantime, Lynch rented it.


    Before long, Vera appeared in Lynch''s office. Some of the women there wore strange expressions, seemingly standing in solidarity with Vera, viewing Lynch''s actions as workce harassment.


    But there were also those who took Lynch''s side, yet resenting him for not seeing things their way. With so many girls in the office, why would he be attracted to someone who already had a child?


    Upon entering, Vera habitually closed the door and naturally sat in the chair opposite Lynch. She was rxed, not showing the unease of a subordinate meeting a boss.


    She even joked, "You didn''t see the expressions on the girls'' faces when I walked into this room. They must wish they were the onesing in here instead of me."


    Lynch smiled, avoiding the potentially awkward topic.


    "I''ve already finalized the coboration with investors from Kund, and their funds will being through soon. When they do, I''ll need your assistance in managing my personal finances."


    Lynch had sold his shares at a mutually agreeable price, so the money would go into his personal ount, not thepany''s.


    Of course, these earnings were subject to taxation, and Vera also managed Lynch''s personal financial matters.


    She nodded, jotting it down, and asked casually, "Do we need to look into tax nning?"


    Lynch furrowed his brow briefly before sighing, "Let''s stick to standard procedures. We shouldn''t aim for aggressive tax avoidance¡ªpay what''s due, but not excessively."


    There were many ways to avoid taxes. The federal tax system used both proportional and quota-based methods, with thetter being moremon but the former offering more maneuverability.


    ording to the federal tax authority, individuals like Lynch who earned over fifty thousand a month should pay no less than fifty-five percent in various taxes. But in reality, such people often paid very little.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 175:

    Chapter 175:


    Lynch never thought that paying too little tax was something to be proud of; he had never thought so.


    There was once a rich man who proudly told others that he always paid his taxes in full for his ie, which mainly came from employing himself and drawing a barely passable sry.


    Some even wrote articles praising this rich man''s actions, holding him up as the conscience of society.


    But these people never told the public how much this rich man actually paid in taxes because they were too ashamed, and revealing it would not be good for the rich man''s image in the eyes of the public.


    Paying too little tax would harm one''s social image, and Lynch did not want to be someone abandoned by the "mainstream society," which was the middle and lower sses. So he wouldn''t do that.


    He always believed that the greater the ability, the more wealth, the greater the responsibility, and one must set an example.


    From the beginning, Vera knew Lynch''s requirements. He initially even wanted to genuinely pay his taxes in full.


    At this moment, she was curious, "How much ie do I need to handle? Maybe I should have a n in advance."


    "Not much," Lynch said casually, "Over a million in cash, and some shares."These words were really annoying. If this wasn''t considered much, then what was considered a lot?


    Vera rolled her eyes. She really enjoyed interacting with Lynch in this way. There was no strict hierarchy between them, and sometimes they would joke with each other.


    They were closer than ordinary friends but not too close. She enjoyed this feeling; it made her feel veryfortable.


    Using her professional knowledge, she proposed a whole set of legal tax avoidance ns that she believed were most beneficial to Lynch. The general idea was to turn "ie" into "capital gains," which was investment ie that did not require tax payment when there was no personal benefit.


    At the same time, thepany did not need to pay taxes on this because it was not sales or business ie, so there was naturally no tax issue.


    Of course, this required some legal tricks. Oncepleted, this money could be deposited in the public ount of Lynch''s wholly-ownedpany. Interestingly, Lynch was the only person in thepany from top to bottom.


    Then Lynch could spend thepany''s "public funds" on various personal expenses in the name of thepany. Since he was the sole shareholder, he wouldn''t hold himself ountable.


    When he felt it was enough, he could also bankrupt thepany through other means, and then through some methods, he would sign an agreement with the property owner at a very low price in his personal capacity to acquire all thepany''s properties.


    Most of the time, this property owner would end up being the bank.


    Reasonable and legal, arge number of taxable assets would enter people''s pockets through several steps that were not mysterious to some people, and they didn''t need to bear any extra legal responsibilities. Even the Federal Tax Bureau would find it hard to deal with them.


    Maybe there were some moral issues, but for capitalists, morality only existed in charity gs organized to save money.


    As for daily life?


    There was no way. Morality didn''t sell, so they wouldn''t retain such things.


    Lynch didn''t respond, and Vera naturally knew that her somewhat idealistic tax avoidance n did not get Lynch''s approval. This had happened several times before. Initially, she felt a bit ufortable, but now she had started to get used to it.


    Lynch''s assertiveness was different from others and was more eptable. Of course, maybe only Vera would think so.


    Later, she proposed a new n. Lynch would have to pay taxes in two parts for this transaction: the cash part and the cross-holding part. Overall, Vera could help him legally and reasonably reduce the tax rate.


    "Roughly estimated, you need to pay at least a sixteen percent tax rate for this transaction." Actually, it could be lowered further, but Lynch disagreed.


    Only then did Lynch nod with satisfaction, "Sorry to trouble you, but I hope the tax payment receipts can be well-preservedter on."


    "Of course." Vera had be ustomed to Lynch''s attention to details. He always demanded that no receipts should be missing or lost and that they should be properly preserved as if someone would check his ounts at any time.


    After discussing this, Vera quickly returned to work. Both thepany''s and Lynch''s personal financial ounts were managed by her. Although it seemed that thepany was notrge and there was not much to do, this was not the case.


    Branches in various ces were being set up, and various expenses and ies were constantly generated, most of which she had to review.


    Shortly after Vera left, two fourteen or fifteen-year-old children knocked on Lynch''s office door.


    Their faces were rosier than before. Recently, their lives had been pretty good, and Lynch had also reached an agreement with the orphanage to adopt these children.


    ording to federalw, an unmarried person could not adopt children. People would question whether the adopter had the knowledge needed to raise children and would doubt their motives.


    Especially after a single middle-aged man continuously adopted and killed several girls, shocking the whole world, the criteria for adoption had be very stringent.


    But this only applied when people had the time and energy to pay attention to these marginalized groups. Now was obviously not such a time.


    The orphanage eventually agreed to Lynch''s request, and he didn''t adopt any girls, avoiding the most sensitive social issue. Although the harm to boys was also significant, people always tended to overlook these issues.


    The two children came here to convey a message to Lynch that the orphanage director invited him to discuss the remaining issues.


    Then Lynch drove with the two teenagers to the Sacred Sunlight Orphanage in Sabin City. It was formerly a monastery before bing an orphanage, which wasmon in the federation.


    Many monasteries also undertook the work of orphanages. In themercialized capitalist market, these ces gradually changed their forms, but some things remained, such as the director wearing a monk''s robe and the nuns acting as staff.


    "Wee, kind Mr. Lynch," the orphanage director hurriedly came out of his office, slightly panting.


    He looked in his fifties, already bald, wearing round ck-rimmed sses. He had very pronounced nasbial folds, making him look stern, rigid, and somewhat intimidating.


    Even with a smile on his face, it was hard to feel it was a genuine smile, more like an inexplicable strange expression.


    The ancient monastery was covered with moss and vines, giving it a historical feel. Some people stood in the distance, secretly observing the situation, not daring to approach and even quickly leaving under the nuns'' gaze.


    It was clear that the director and his nuns held significant authority here.


    Lynch shook his hand, and under the director''s guidance, they entered the director''s office, where some photos of past directors and possibly some celebrities were hung, along with some donation documents.


    "Please sit," the director said solemnly. A young nun served them light tea, simple flower tea, with a faint fragrance that many liked, and it was also not very expensive.


    After a brief pause, the director spoke, "Mr. Lynch, honestly, until now, I still don''t agree with your adoption proposal. You are still young, not meeting the standards..."


    He stopped talking, perhaps because he did not get the expected response from Lynch, or maybe he felt it was pointless to say these words. He sighed.


    Just as he was about to say something more, Lynch took a check from his pocket and ced it on the table.


    At such times, no words were more powerful than a check. The director''s attention was immediately drawn to it. He seemed to want to touch it but retracted his hands. Lynch gently pressed one corner of it with his cup.


    "A cash check that any bank can cash directly and transfer the money to any ount as requested by the check holder," Lynch said slowly, looking at the director, "We all know those meaningless lines need not be said. Just give me the documents, and no one will know the amount on this check."


    Lynch would leave this time only with the adoption documents, which would be the basis for these children to pay social insurance in the future. Without these, it would be hard for them to get a social security number, which was why, even after gaining freedom, they still relied on the orphanage.


    The director feebly argued, "It''s not what you think." But he quickly returned to his desk and handed over the sorted adoption documents to Lynch.


    This was a secret deal unknown to many. On the surface, Lynch would take away one child, but in reality, it was more than one, just for appearances.


    Those children were working outside as childborers and rarely returned to the orphanage. When they turned sixteen, they would leave, providing an opportunity for maniption. The people in the orphanage wouldn''t know if the children were adopted or still working outside, except for the director.


    Lynch looked at the stack of adoption certificates in his hand, confirmed there were no major issues, and took a sip from his cup, freeing the corner of the check that was pressed.


    The check immediately fell into the director''s hands. Seeing the number on the check, a look of satisfaction appeared in his eyes.


    Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 176:

    Chapter 176:


    In September, the weather was no longer as scorching. Although it was still somewhat hot, there was already a trace of a chill in the wind, hinting at theing autumn.


    With two new branches established and achieving impressive sales figures, Lynch had begun instructing Richard to prepare for a second-hand goods auction in the state capital. As the Interster Trading Company became more frequently visible to the public, Lynch reaped significant wealth and prestige.


    "Ai is the principal aide to the governor and also a rtive of his..."


    Sitting in the mayor''s car, the mayor was briefing Lynch about the person they were about to meet, while also giving Lynch some reminders about things to pay attention to.


    The better Lynch''s business performed, the more it proved the sess of the mayor''s policies.


    The more sessful the mayor''s policies were, the higher his standing within the Progressive Party in the state. Some even suggested he might have a chance to run for governor.


    Such opportunities weren''t avable to every mayor. Most mayors would likely retire as state legitors or congressmen, and some wouldn''t even achieve that, only holding some party positions.


    Pushing a politician to run for governor required enormous resources, so unless someone had a strong chance, neither the Progressive Party, the Conservative Party, nor the often-forgotten Socialist Party would consider nominating them.


    The mayor had a chance, but the prerequisite was that his policies, ideas, and actions effectively helped Sabin City and the state outperform others in economic crises. His policies also needed to set trends for the entire federation.Only then could the immense prestige and visibilitypensate for his most significant shoring: not being a member of the Society of the Sacred Harmony.


    Thus, he heavily relied on Lynch. They were heading together to a small exchange meeting organized by Ai, the governor''s principal aide.


    The entire state, not just Sabin City, faced simr problems. The governor''s staff was working hard, seeking solutions everywhere, trying to find sessful methods.


    But why hadn''t they done this earlier? Because they believed they could devise suitable solutions on their own.


    As for why they were doing it now, it was because they realized their brains weren''t as capable as they thought.


    Ai''s visit to Sabin City was orchestrated by the governor. The policy of second-hand goods auctions implemented in Sabin City had been proven effective by professional survey agencies. Therefore, the governor wanted to know if the mayor of Sabin City or his partner Lynch had any other constructive ideas.


    People often saw individuals conducting surveys on the streets, with small gifts as rewards for answering questions. Those people were the operatives from professional survey organizations. Each street questionnaire could be worth at least fifty cents, and sometimes as much as one or two bucks. (depending on the target group).


    "Ai was born into a religious family and has firm beliefs, although he often does things thatck faith." the mayor casually mocked, showing his disdain for Ai.


    After mocking him, the mayor''s tone became somewhat somber, "He''s a cunning man, with the appearance of a priest, but don''t be fooled by his looks; he''s a sly fox."


    Lynch found this interesting, "No offense, but is there something between you two..." He shrugged, using small gestures to convey his meaning.


    The mayor admitted, somewhat embarrassed. This demonstrated the influence of "value" in action. Because Lynch possessed this value, they had developed a close rtionship and could discuss personal topics freely.


    But if Lynch lost his value one day, they would be like strangers outside the car window, able to see each other but not acknowledging each other.


    "He once suggested I skip my current job and go straight to the state senate as a legitor. It wasn''t out of any sincere advice; he just wanted his nephew to take my current job."


    The mayor spoke with a smile, "But I won that round."


    He didn''t mention the cost of winning that round, which must have been very high.


    He then talked about Ai''s habits and details, repeatedly warning Lynch not to trust that bastard''s words; he was a liar.


    In fact, everyone was a liar. Some still had some naivety, while others even deceived themselves. As for those in between, they were still struggling bitterly.


    The exchange meeting was set to be held at an estate in the suburbs of Sabin City. The estate belonged to Mr. Grimm, a Progressive Party state senator, who took the initiative to host when he heard Ai wasing to Sabin City.


    As the car was nearing the estate, it suddenly began to rain heavily. The unexpected rain cooled the temperature and brought a bit of refreshment to Lynch, who was dressed up for the asion.


    In fact, his back was almost soaked with sweat. However, summer suits were designed to prevent wearers from appearing indecent due to sweat. The small vest underneath would absorb the moisture, leaving the suit unaffected.


    The timely rain also cleansed the air. Of course, the driver''s experience might not have been as pleasant, as everything in the rain became slightly blurred, and the car''s speed slowed down significantly.


    They arrived at the estate about ten minutes past the scheduled time. The estate''s butler immediately led Lynch and Mayor Langdon to their private guest rooms to freshen up, reminding them that the exchange meeting had been postponed to 9 PM due to the rain, giving them about forty minutes to rest.


    The unexpected rain might have left them looking somewhat disheveled, so the time wasn''t really for resting or sleeping but for addressing personal needs.


    For example, if their clothes got wet, the estate had maids who could dry them.


    If their shoes got muddy, the servants could quickly clean them.


    Even if their socks were stained with mud or their cuffs weren''t clean, these issues could be resolved before the meeting.


    Although no one would say anything even if these issues weren''t addressed, and certainly no one would publicly ridicule them like in an opera, people always wanted to maintain their dignity, especially in important asions.


    Upon arriving at the guest room with a maid, Lynch was asked if he needed help cleaning his attire. Lynch checked his suit and saw it was free of dust or rainwater, but his trouser cuffs were slightly damp, though not visibly so.


    He changed into another pair of shoes and had the maid clean the sttered mud off his dress shoes. Then, he sat in the room, enjoying some snacks, aromatic coffee, and newspapers.


    Ten minutester, his shoes were returned, cleaned of dust, polished with oil, and buffed withmbskin, making them look as good as new.


    Lynch spent the remaining time reading newspapers or watching TV. Around 8 PM, TV shows were at their peak viewership, with many people lounging on their couches, indulging in fatty, sugary treats, seeking rare mental enjoyment.


    Flipping through several channels, Lynch found little that was rted to the current situation. However, several institutional sections of the "Trading Report" simultaneously raised the redemption risks of various war bonds, indicating the rapidly worsening situation.


    Many might think that since they hadn''t bought war bonds, it had nothing to do with them. If these issues were viewed in istion, that might be true.


    But how many truly isted events existed in this world? And how many could remainpletely isted?


    Very few.


    Lynch walked to the window. In the distance, thend and sky blended together in the heavy rain, making it hard to distinguish where the sky ended and the earth began. Everything was pitch ck, swallowing all light.


    At 8:50, the butler personally knocked on the door, informing Lynch that the exchange meeting would soon be held in the estate''s conference room, and arranged for someone to lead Lynch there.


    Walking through the long corridor, Lynch noticed some oil paintings on the walls. Although he didn''t know much about oil paintings, he could tell they weren''t cheap.


    Art would evoke resonance because true art was the expression of emotion.


    It was clear that Senator Grimm was not just a senator but also quite wealthy.


    In the conference room, Lynch greeted the mayor, and they both sat in the front row, as they were the main stars of the event.


    At precisely 9:01, when the second hand moved past fifty-nine seconds and the minute hand shifted slightly forward, the conference room doors opened again. Then a silver-haired man wearing rtively in clothes walked in from outside with a smile.


    From an observational standpoint, the man resembled a teacher more than a politician, as there wasn''t muchmonality between the two.


    One role involved educating and guiding people in the pursuit of truth, imparting methods, while the other manipted words, crafting stories to serve personal interests. Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 177:

    Chapter 177:


    In the brief but enthusiastic greetings, Mr. Ai sat at the center of the conference table.


    It was hard to imagine that someone without a specific official position, merely bearing the title of a Progressive Party member and serving other politicians, could have such stature or status.


    He sat at the center of the conference table, not State Senator Mr. Grimm, not Mayor Langdon of Sabin, and certainly not Lynch, but a principal aide without an "official title."


    But no one was surprised because the governor trusted this principal aide greatly. Many policies issued by the state government actually came from the governor''s aides.


    Sometimes the truth didn''t feel real, because often the governor''s words, his attitude, his stance, and his expressions in front of the public were all pre-designed by these people, and the governor just executed them.


    This wasn''t to say that the governor was a puppet. It was just that his aides were very capable, which reduced a lot of his workload. This gave people a reason to respect Mr. Ai.


    After all, he was an important person who could directly influence the governor''s attitude.


    "Thank you all foring here despite the bad weather. I sincerely thank you all." Ai said with a smile. He spoke in a gentle voice, not sharp, and his speech was not very fast. Every word was pronounced very clearly andpletely.


    Different regions might have their own ents, and some words may have specific regional pronunciations, but Ai''s speechcked any regional ents. Each word he spoke was so precise that he could easily be a broadcaster.It was hard to feel any animosity towards such a person, especially when he was so polite.


    "Currently, we are facing situations simr to the bad weather outside. Starting this month, all local governments in our state will begin issuing food stamps, but we still face a huge shortfall."


    "The average unemployment rate across the state has exceeded 13%, with some cities having even higher rates. From the data I have seen..." he couldn''t help butugh, "it''s actually the less industrialized ces that are coping better with the severe economic downturn."


    This issue was something people had only recently discovered. After people excessively concentrated in cities, some towns ended up less severely affected, especially agricultural towns.


    Every household had its ownnd and livestock, and their lives hadn''t changed much from the best of times. It was like now was the worst of times, yet their lives were still the same as before.


    Self-sufficiency quickly became a new topic. Some believed this method could reduce some burdens, but such obviously erroneous statements didn''t have the chance to form a scale before being quietly suppressed.


    "We have been paying close attention to Sabin''s second-hand goods exchange activities recently, and I have to say, this method is indeed very effective." He took some documents from his briefcase and said "excuse me" before putting on his sses.


    He leaned back slightly, pulling the document away to read clearly, "We conducted a survey, asking some ordinary citizens who participated in the auction and made purchases about their thoughts on the exchange. Their responses were reassuring."


    "Buying what they always wanted but also essential for living with less money saved them some money for other expenses, reducing their living burden."


    Ai took off his sses. "Almost everyone thought so. Langdon, you did very well on this matter."


    The mayor nodded, his mood unclear. Ai continued, "I believe a tree will not bear only one good fruit. That''s why we are here. The governor needs you to express your thoughts freely. Perhaps salvation is hidden in these shes of ideas."


    "A tree will not bear only one good fruit" was a federal proverb often used to describe a series of good things or a hope for the best.


    The mayor didn''t speak and just looked at his notebook seriously. Lynch also remained silent; it wasn''t his turn to speak.


    Their silence didn''t mean others would remain silent. This was a great opportunity to get acquainted with the governor. If some of their ideas were adopted, they would have a connection with the governor.


    There were countless capable people in this society. For example, Lynch''s new manager Arthur was not only capable but also had the right qualities, but before meeting Lynch, his situation wasn''t good.


    Having ability was one thing, but having a stage to disy that ability was another. Many people had the former butcked thetter.


    If they had the chance to connect with the governor, it was like having a stage.


    With a stage, would there be ack of people who could dance on it?


    People began expressing their ideas to help the situation, some more credible, like a suggestion to implement dual tax standards, exempting all kinds of taxes for the lower ss and only charging insurance fees.


    This could alleviate some people''s emotions but didn''t hold much value for the big picture.


    There were many credible and incredible ideas, and people discussed some views intensely. Throughout the process, Mr. Ai maintained a spectator''s stance, constantly taking notes.


    He didn''t show any obvious preference for any viewpoint, only asionally throwing out some questions.


    The butler came twice to open the windows and disperse the smoke, and time unknowingly approached eleven o''clock.


    Everyone in the room remained excited, not feeling tired and unaware of the passage of time.


    After a discussion ended, Ai cleared his throat. The arguing voices in the room immediately quieted down.


    He looked at the mayor, "You''ve listened for so long, do you have any good ideas?"


    The mayor shook his head. He wasn''t defying Ai; it was because he had heard these people''s viewpoints before. If there were any useful ones, he would have used them already.


    Ai wasn''t surprised; he also thought these people were talking nonsense, but he didn''t show it. Then he looked at Lynch sitting next to the mayor.


    "Mr. Lynch, I''ve noticed you haven''t joined our discussion from the beginning. Do you have some mature ideas?" With this sentence, everyone''s eyes focused on Lynch.


    Facing these possibly hostile gazes, Lynch remained unfazed. If these looks could unsettle him, he wouldn''t have gotten locked up in the solitary confinement.


    He smiled slightly, "Of course, Mr. Ai. In fact, I had already discussed some methods to solve our current predicament with the mayor."


    He nced at the mayor, who happened to look at him too. Their eyes met for a second or two before Lynch looked away, "The mayor thinks my ideas have some immature points, but since you asked, perhaps discussing them here can make these ideas more perfect."


    Those slightly hostile gazes turned gentle, revealing their softer side.


    Ai looked at Lynch with interest. When he first learned that Mayor Langdon''s policies and ns came from a nearly twenty-one-year-old young man, his reaction was simr to others.


    He thought this young man must have a close rtionship with Langdon, possibly a rtive or a political heir, but after investigation, they found they had no connection.


    Now, watching Lynch smoothly resolve some atmosphere issues again, making those unfriendly eyes at least restrain their hostility, he found it remarkable.


    If an old man had this subtle ability to change others'' attitudes, it would be normal, but Lynch was too young.


    So young that it seemed unreal.


    Ai snapped out of his daze, nodding, "Maybe you are right. Let''s hear your methods."


    Lynch smiled and began to speak about his ideas. He was veryfortable in such an environment and atmosphere. Persuading others had been his primary job for the past thirty years, and it continued in this world; he was not only familiar with it but had be even more adept at it.


    "We all know that the economic downturn mainly stems from two problems: first, our products have no market, and second, our manufacturing costs are increasing."


    People around nodded. This was a problem everyone knew and faced. Lynch continued, "As long as these two problems are solved, thepany will be able to earn sufficient profits, operations will be healthy, and we will be able to continue running smoothly. There will be no closures, no bankruptcies, people will have stable jobs and ies, and everything will return to how it was before."


    When he mentioned returning to the past, a brief nostalgia and distraction appeared in people''s eyes. That was indeed a good time, a golden age.


    Ai slightly adjusted his sitting position in his seat. He was getting older, and unlike young people, he couldn''t stay glued to his chair for long periods, "We all know these problems need solving, but the question is how to solve them. Do you have mature ideas?"Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 178:

    Chapter 178:


    "International trade..."


    Ai pondered seriously for a moment, then shook his head. He knew more than anyone else in the room.


    At present, the Baylor Federation did not possess the basic conditions for international trade. Other countries were already quite dissatisfied with the Federation''s neutral stance during the war, and there were deeper reasons behind this dissatisfaction.


    During the world war, as a neutral country, the Baylor naturally became a haven for much capital fleeing the conflict, which inevitably elerated the Federation''s economic development.


    While various countries were devastated by the war, their poptions dwindling and theirnds deste, the Baylor Federation''s neutrality only made it richer and stronger.


    This made many of the warring countries feel a hard-to-describe difort. Even the victorious countries felt that neutral countries like the Baylor Federation had stolen the fruits of their victory, and thus, they showed no kindness towards the Baylor Federation.


    These victorious countries, confident in their triumph over half the world during the war, had no regard for a neutral nation. They refused to honor bonds, deliberately making things difficult for the Baylor Federation.


    As for those defeated countries, they half-heartedly honored their obligations in various ways, making theirpliance meaningless.


    In such a diplomatic predicament, the idea of expanding international trade could only remain just that¡ªan idea.Perhaps this was indeed a good solution to the Baylor Federation''s current problems, but it was not the right time, or the conditions were not yet ripe.


    Ai nced more at Lynch. This young man was indeed different from the others. He saw through the current situation at a nce. Within the Progressive Party, there were actually simr discussions, and their conclusions were roughly the same as Lynch''s views.


    Reviving the economy was actually quite simple. It was just a matter of ensuring that the goods produced in the factories had stable buyers.


    The domestic market was already saturated, so they had to look at the international market. With 2.4 billion people worldwide, what couldn''t be consumed?


    But not now. The internationalmunity''s dissatisfaction with the Baylor Federation''s stance made it difficult for Baylor to move forward in international society. Unless there were significant changes in the short term, this situation could persist for a long time.


    He casually wrote some symbols only he understood in his notebook to remind himself of certain things.


    Ai had worked as a stenographer when he was young. In this world, where technology was advancing but stillgging behind another world, meeting records were often manually transcribed by secretaries.


    The speed of handwriting could never match the speed of speech. To avoid missing words, almost everyone who needed to write shorthand had their own set of "codes."


    After finishing his notes, he didn''t delve further into Lynch''s viewpoints, making the others look at Lynch more kindly.


    After another half hour, the meeting ended. Ai shook hands with everyone, thanking them for their efforts in the evening meeting. If the governor made any decisions, these people would be the first to be informed.


    Each participant shook hands and thanked him in return, indicating that this was their duty. At this moment, none of them showed the ugliness of exploiting workers, only grace and elegance.


    Lynch stayed there for the night, leaving with the mayor the next day. He naturally had exchanged business cards with others, including Senator Grimm.


    Grimm, a state senator, didn''t usually reside in Sabin. He returned this time just to provide some assistance and would leave after Ai.


    On the way back, the mayor suddenly broke the silence in the car, "Are you confident about what you told mest time?"


    Lynch thought for a moment, then quickly understood what he meant, "Ai''s attitude already told us, didn''t it?"


    Last night, Ai discussed the suggestions others proposed with the room, even the most foolish ones, but he didn''t discuss Lynch''s ideas, nor did he propose new thoughts on Lynch''s views.


    In fact, from the beginning, Ai understood this idea thoroughly and didn''t need further discussion.


    People might discuss foolish things, but they would stop when they realized they had no value. Only valuable things would be delved into, and this problem was no different.


    If the idea had no value, the governor''s principal aide wouldn''t bother to study it in depth.


    The mayor stopped speaking, contemting the feasibility of Lynch''s previous suggestions. He thought seriously but still found it tricky, especially since Lynch wanted to change the current employment system, a sensitive area that could lead to significant problems.


    He didn''t bring it up again, and the car returned to silence, both men pondering how long this situation wouldst.


    With September''s arrival and the extensive shutdown of the Listoan Group, Sabin, once seemingly prosperous, quickly fell into decline.


    The streets were filled with people with grim faces, wandering aimlessly, sometimes gathering to whisper, making passersby feel a chill.


    A luxury car slowly stopped outside a bank. Some children and young people immediately extended their hands towards Lynch as he got out. Lynch casually threw a handful of loose change on the ground.


    About seven or eight bucks, maybe ten, all in coins. He didn''t care much about it.


    Compared to letting these people dirty his clothes worth thousands, this money might not even cover the cleaning fee.


    The crowd immediately moved to the edge of the sidewalk and street, bending over or squatting to pick up the coins. As Lynch entered the bank, he heard cursing and cheers from outside, with some people even having physical altercations over the money.


    Once inside the bank, everything became quiet and peaceful. Especially the moment the door closed, the noise on the sidewalk turned into a silent pantomime behind the ss wall, hardly catching Lynch''s attention anymore.


    Declining the teller''s assistance, Lynch went straight to Joegleman''s office. He was there today for that piece ofnd.


    Real estate in Sabin had always been lukewarm, withnd prices continuously falling. Hart thought that after a while, Lynch would reconsider, but even after half a month, Lynch made no move.


    Instead, Hart himself grew impatient and decided to agree to Lynch''s terms and finalize the deal.


    Hart was under a lot of pressure recently, from various fronts. His previous project faced a huge failure, and some investors and creditors began to press him.


    His only option now was to secure a stable ie quickly to appease their anxious emotions.


    Sometimes he felt that doing business with partners was really not easy. When making money, they demanded more; when losing money, they mored forpensation. They sometimes seemed more like wild dogs than investors, never satisfied.


    As soon as he entered, Joegleman was already packing up. The bank wasn''t the ce for negotiations; they wouldter go to a private business venue. Lynch came here just in passing, and Joegleman had some personal matters to discuss with him as well.


    "Take a seat for a moment," Joegleman greeted him, continuing his work. Lynch casually sat on the sofa.


    Watching Joegleman sort through several books that looked like ledgers, he couldn''t help but walk over to take a closer look. They were filled with names.


    "What is this?" Lynch asked curiously. It didn''t look like ledgers, but it shouldn''t be passbook records either.


    Without pausing his actions, Joegleman quickly signed and flipped through, stacking them together while answering, "The first batch of personal credit loan amounts and approval list."


    He casually opened one and exined, "Look, this guy named Tom can get a credit loan of 1,300 bucks from the bank without any coteral. As long as he applies, the money will be directly deposited into his ount, and he only needs to pay about 0.2% interest per week."


    Lynch curled his lip, losing interest in these things. This was a monster.


    Credit loans weren''t necessarily a bad policy, but implementing it now wasn''t a good idea.


    The logic was simple: people had to use credit loans because of poverty, but they still had to pay a not-so-cheap interest. Yet, they had no jobs. Once their cash flow ran out, they might face the harsh reality of having their assets auctioned off.


    The bank wouldn''t consider if this was humane. Thewyers in the bank''s legal department were like devils in human skin; they could even pull out two gold teeth from an olddy''s mouth to recover a loan.


    At that point, already struggling families might find themselves in even more dire straits. Everyone knew auctions never fetched the original price, especially for second-hand goods. They would lose much more than they gained.


    Soon, Joegleman finished his work and left the bank hall with Lynch. The people on the street had been dispersed, with two policemen remaining.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 179:

    Chapter 179:


    As the vehicle passed a relief point, Lynch saw for the first time the long lines of people waiting for aid.


    There were twelve relief points in Sabin City. These ces were used to redeem food and supply stamps. Simply put, people could exchange food stamps for food and supply stamps for some basic necessities like salt, a small amount of sugar, or some basic medicines, even clothing.


    After all, autumn had arrived, and winter was not far away.


    At the front of the line, there were several staff members from the Social Services Bureau, as well as several armed police officers with standard submachine guns.


    There had been more than one robbery targeting relief points recently, and food and supply stamps had be the new hard currency for the lower ss. They had partially reced currency in the market and were very stable.


    In any antique shop or alleyway, one could find people buying and selling food and supply stamps. They had mastered the art of bnce, ensuring that neither them nor buyers felt disadvantaged.


    As Lynch looked on curiously, Joegleman, with his instinct to impart knowledge, began to exin, "Have you ever seen that kind of food?"


    Lynch shook his head, "Should I have?"


    Joegleman couldn''t help butugh, "It''s definitely not a good experience. I had it maybe twenty or thirty years ago, and the form hasn''t changed since.""Corn, potatoes, some vegetables, some meat powder, and bone meal, allbined and dried into something as hard as a rock," he reminisced with a nostalgic look, "If you want to eat it, you either scrape it into powder with a small knife and swallow it bit by bit with water, or smash it and cook a portion in a pot with water."


    "In the end, you''ll get a pot of thick soup that looks and smells like shit."


    Lynch listened intently and then gave his opinion, "That doesn''t sound like a good experience."


    Joegleman nodded with lingering fear, "But you had to eat it. Actually, a lot of people say the current situation is terrible, but I think it''s not that bad. At least it''s much better than it used to be."


    "We survived times harder than now, there''s no reason we can''t get through this small difficulty."


    The stark contrast between the luxurious cars in the traffic and the poor people lining up for relief was striking. People''s numb eyes rested on the luxury cars for less than a second before looking away; they no longer cared.


    Soon, the two arrived at a private establishment. These ces usually operated on a referral system, where one could only enter if rmended and became a member.


    Strict confidentiality made it the first choice for many people to meet, regardless of whether it involved legal issues.


    After entering the agreed-upon room, Hart came up to greet them. In less than a month, Hart had be much more haggard than when theyst met, with more gray hair.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they sat on the sofa.


    Hart stared at the ss of liquor on the table for a moment before apologizing for his distraction, "Lately, my mental state has been terrible. The doctor has prescribed me some sleep aids. Otherwise, I''d have to drink myself to sleep."


    As he spoke, he also showed a small pill bottle he carried with him. Lynch and Joegleman appropriately expressed concern for his health.


    Hart shook his head with a bitter smile, "Alright, let''s not talk about this. Mr. Lynch, after thinking it over seriously, maybe you are right."


    His words seemed surprising, but Lynch remained unmoved, "In business, there is no right or wrong. It''s just that you backed down before me this time."


    His sharp words left Hart unable to say the rest of what was on his mind, and in the end, all he could do was sigh, "Shall we proceed as discussedst time?" Lynch nodded in agreement, and Hart took out the site n of thekeside vi area from his bag.


    The houses that had already been sold were marked in blue, while the unsold ones were left white.


    It was clear that if not for the current crisis, he wouldn''t be in this position.


    The value of those properties would have increased, and the vacant properties were still generating continuous profits.


    Holiday rentals and long-term leases made him, hispany, and the investors very satisfied.


    Given the previous trend, in another few years, each of those houses would be worth a fortune, turning over tens of times the profit.


    Unfortunately, he fell victim to the times, losing big and looking disgraceful.


    Lynch made some marks on the site n. Having already visited the site, he had aprehensive understanding. Watching Lynch mark the n, Hart''s expression changed constantly, his heart bleeding.


    After Lynch had roughly marked the n, he nced over it briefly. Based on the prices before these properties had depreciated, he had lost at least two million.


    With the help of the operator of this private establishment, they quickly finalized a standard contract. This was one of the reasons why an expensive membership fee was required to enter.


    Every day, there were at least twowyers on standby here. They were well-versed in the state''sws and could draft most types of legal documents at any time, including various business transaction contracts.


    Looking at the contract, Hart let out a deep sigh. "You win!" he said, signing his name. At that moment, it felt as if something was being pulled out of his body.


    Lynch also signed, sealing the deal.


    Trading thend for these properties brought a slight smile to Lynch''s face. Though thend didn''t turn into cash, the value of the properties obtained from Hart far exceeded that of cash.


    At least cash would appreciate slowly, while property values, especially vis in scenic areas, would increase quickly.


    After signing the contract, Hart didn''t linger, leaving hurriedly without even having dinner. He had to inform investors and shareholders that he was taking action.


    "He''s a good man." Joegleman sighed after Hart left.


    In their interactions, Hart was one of the few honest businessmen.


    Lynch only smiled, not continuing the topic.


    Everything proceeded methodically, and a few dayster, the tall, thin man finally buckled under pressure, agreeing to Lynch''s terms to invest in Interster Trading Company with at least a 33% cash ratio.


    However, they changed the initial n, no longer seeking majority ownership but investing as a collective, holding 10% of the shares, with a supplementary agreement ensuring their priority in future financing.


    More cities saw the emergence of Interster Trading Company and second-hand goods auctions, drawing more attention to Lynch and hispany, seemingly stepping onto a broader stage.


    On the first trading day of October, a well-dressed young man in his thirties, carrying a briefcase, walked into the main hall of EaseLink Exchange in Bupayne.


    Such people weremon in Bupayne, where at least seven out of ten men dressed simrly. They were the backbone of Bupayne, the various financial brokers.


    But there was not much of a smile on this broker''s face. He was facing a huge problem: one of his clients had broken into his home yesterday and taken his wife and daughter hostage. The client''s demand was for him to quickly redeem the foreign bonds he had previously persuaded him to buy.


    Capital was never merciful. The "Trading Report" had issued multiple warnings about the increased risk of foreign bonds, but these warnings were often inconspicuous.


    It was like a news report about an alien invasion overshadowing a mention of a blocked street drain.


    People would focus on the more sensational parts, ignoring the risk warnings about bonds.


    During this time, institutions began privatelymissioning brokers to resell these hard-to-cash bonds, with banks being the major yers.


    ording to the issuing country''s promise, each buck of bond face value could eventually be redeemed for one buck and seventy-five cents in cash. Some bonds were even trading at a premium of one to two times of their face value.


    Such bonds should be in short supply, yet the securities market saw a surge in transactions for these bonds.


    With state-backed issuing institutions, these seemed reliable to the average person.


    They knew some people''s words were worthless, especially capitalists and banks, but had never heard of a country deceiving so many people.


    Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 180:

    Chapter 180:


    Frank was an ordinary worker with a dual-ie household. His mother, who lived next door, took care of their child, while he and his wife each had a job.


    Both of them working naturally meant they earned an additional ie, and it was quite significant. If this situation continued for several years, it would amount to a substantial sum.


    Frank''s job sometimes involved dealing with the affluent clients of Bupayne. He knew better than most that getting rich overnight in Bupayne wasn''t just a myth. After discussing it with his wife, they approached a financialpany and opened an ount.


    It was worth mentioning that for ordinary people, trading stocks and securities was aplicated matter. Manual matching processes could cause anyone to miss the best trading opportunities. To achieve quicker and more stable matching, one would need a private trading seat.


    However, the cost of a trading seat had soared to nearly a million, putting it beyond the reach of ordinary people. As a result, they had to rely on financial brokerage firms to manage their ounts, incurring various fees in the process.


    Yet, over time, they still made a significant profit.


    When the financial market was on an upward trend, even the worst stocks could perform miracles, let alone the carefully selected stocks by the brokerage firm.


    Soon, their ount bnce grew from a few thousand to nearly ten thousand, which was a substantial amount for an ordinary family.


    However, the market recently became increasingly difficult. Except for a few heavyweight stocks that continued to rise, the upward momentum of other stocks had gradually slowed down.Brokers imed this was a temporary adjustment, and once it was over, the stocks would rise again as they had before.


    Many people believed the brokers because ny-five percent of the people on the streets of Bupayne had little to no understanding of stocks. Only five percent were true financial professionals.


    With arge number of outsiders contributing to the prosperity of this industry, they also gained substantial dividends.


    Recently, Frank''s broker had been advising him to invest in bonds, emphasizing it as a prime opportunity to earn over ten percent returns almost immediately. It was said to be a deal that was unmatched in the current market.


    He was told that there was no need to worry about fluctuations in trading prices because the bond''s price was set at its face value. But if the issuing country offered incentives, the incentives would only raise the bond''s upper limit, not lower it.


    In other words, it was a guaranteed profit deal, and even if there were no future takers, they would still be able to redeem the bonds for cash directly.


    After a brief study of bonds, Frank and his wife confirmed this to be true. ording to the books they read, bonds were unlikely to depreciate. Had they consulted more professional sources, their perspective might have been different. However, theirck of familiarity with such resources may have influenced their decision-making regarding these options.


    Eventually, they decided to invest all their savings, along with a credit loan from the bank, into the first batch of foreign war bonds, convinced that investing in bonds was risk-free.


    "About twelve percent, more than twenty thousand!"


    That was what Frank told his family and friends. He even opened a bottle of wine priced at 8.99 bucks to celebrate. Facing envious and jealous eyes, he felt like he was walking on clouds. He thought his luck and vision were excellent and even considered bing a full-time financial investor in the future. He had even drafted a learning n for himself.


    All these aspirations for a bright future came to a halt on thest Friday evening of the previous month.


    The final issue of the monthly "Trading Report" used about a quarter of its space to remind all investors of the significant risk of bond exchange. This time, they did not hide this statement among other sensational content but disyed it openly.


    All this was triggered by the federal government''sprehensive failure in its foreign policy on the international stage.


    In August and September, the President''s cab still fantasized about resolving these and other troubles through diplomatic positions. However, they obviously failed.


    Neither the victorious nor the defeated nations of the recent world war had any goodwill towards the Baylor Federation. They naturally dyed and reneged as much as possible.


    The failure in diplomacy immediately caused some issues to spiral out of control. The redemption period for the first batch of war bonds was approaching, and major banks had already cleared out as many bonds as possible. They also refused to redeem these bonds directly or act as agents for redemption.


    Because they knew these bonds were nearly worthless, they could not bring any value and would instead entangle them further.


    So this time, the "Trading Report" bluntly rified some issues, once again proving it was a newspaper that dared to speak the truth and had a conscience!


    Its stance and attitude were as neutral as the current Federation, not favoring anyone!


    After reading the report, Frank broke into a cold sweat. He immediately inquired with his broker about the bond redemption matters and then went to the bank.


    The bank directly refused his request and told him he could take a ship to the bond-issuing country''s bank for redemption, but redeeming them domestically was almost impossible.


    Unwilling to give up, Frank, thinking more quickly than others, called the issuing bank in the bond-issuing country. Initially, the other party assured him they could provide redemption services at any time, which made Frank breathe a sigh of relief.


    But when he provided his bond code, the other party immediately informed him that these bonds were associated with certain risks. They temporarily halted redemption, and in that moment, Frank''s heart sank; he was utterly devastated.


    A total of over ten thousand bucks, ten years of effort, all turned to waste. This wasn''t the worst part. The worst part was that he still had to pay for various living expenses and personal credit loan interests every month, or else the bank would seize his and his parents'' houses, his car, and he would have to move to a worse neighborhood, maybe even be homeless with his family!


    In despair, he called his broker.


    "You knew it all along, didn''t you?!" Frank''s voice was low and filled with anger, like a volcano about to erupt.


    The broker on the other end was silent for a moment before dryly responding, "Would you believe me if I said I didn''t know?"


    From the few seconds of silence, Frank knew the broker was aware of some inside information, which made him even angrier. "We''ve known each other for many years and never had any unpleasant interactions. Why would you do this to me? I thought we were friends."


    The broker chuckled lightly, "Frank, I have a whole phone book full of friends like you in my pocket."


    "Over these years, you''ve profited a lot from our partnership. This incident was merely an unfortunate urrence, and you should know, I also didn''t want this to happen."


    "Our superiors have instructed us to rmend these bonds. All we could do was call you and inform you of their returns and risks. The final decision was in your hands, not mine."


    A broker''s phonemunication would follow a very standard procedure, not hiding any risk-rted information, but skillfully making people misinterpret the risks.


    When rmending these bonds to Frank, the broker also cautioned him about their risks. However, he managed to convince Frank that the risk he mentioned simply meant that no one else would buy the bonds. When the broker assured him he could redeem them at face value, these risks seemed negligible to Frank.


    Frank''s voice became more agitated. "You lied to me! This is a fact! You must give back my money!"


    The broker''s voice also became impatient. "Firstly, I didn''t lie to you. I told you it was your decision."


    "Secondly, ourmission agreement clearly states that risks are borne by you. You want me topensate you because you''ve suffered losses now. But when you made tens of thousands of bucks over the years, did you call to share half with me?"


    "Wake up, you''re not a child anymore. There''s no candy to cry over. If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up. I don''t have time to waste with you here!"


    "If you have that much free time, why not think about your future."


    With a loud bang, the phone was mmed onto the base, followed by a busy signal. Frank was furious; he felt pushed to the edge of a cliff.


    If they had only lost their savings, it wouldn''t have mattered much. But they had also used their credit loans from the bank and part of his parents'' savings and their credit loans.


    As soon as the credit loan was introduced, nearly everyone eligible applied for it. During these difficult times, there was nothing more reassuring than having some money in hand.


    But this also turned previously non-existent issues into frightening realities.


    Frank''s whole family might end up homeless!


    After locking himself in his room for two days, Frank finally decided to escte the matter. This wasn''t a rash decision; it was one he made after careful consideration.


    As the first person to cause a stir, if the federal government helped them resolve these issues, then as the representative figure of the cause, his problem would be addressed first.


    As for going to jail, he didn''t care much. He knew that ten years of effort couldn''t recover the lost money, but if serving ten years in prison could, he thought it was worth it!Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 181:

    Chapter 181:


    Within the three major exchanges, there were counters operated by the sixrgest banks in the Baylor Federation. Financial investors often required immediate funds, and leaving the exchange to visit a bank, only to return with a receipt, could mean missing crucial opportunities.


    Standing in front of the ProsperaCorp bank counter, the bank teller nced at him briefly before looking away, maintaining a perfunctory smile that barely concealed her fatigue. Working at the exchange was demanding, and any mistake could result in job termination or even legal consequences.


    There were two types of people that would be assigned here: those with connections and those without. Those with connections would be managers, overseeing the branch with ease, earning excellent evaluations, and quickly getting promoted. The others, without such support, would serve the brokers directly.


    Frank''s broker opened his briefcase, revealing a neatly arranged stack of bonds. The bonds were in red, green, and purple, each adorned with a prominent "100" in the center, indicating their hundred-buck face value. ording to the instructions on the back, the holder could redeem them at the bank based on the issuance rate. However, they were essentially worthless now.


    The teller, momentarily taken aback, asked, "Sir, what do you mean?" Her focus sharpened, and she adjusted her posture.


    The broker sighed, "I want to redeem these bonds."


    The teller''s expression grew peculiar, and she shook her head. "Sorry, sir. We''ve already announced that ProsperaCorp no longer handles the redemption or exchange of foreign bonds. You might want to try elsewhere."


    A nearby bank teller smirked, expressing disdain for such evasive tactics, though she would likely do the same shortly.


    The broker didn''t leave immediately. Leaning forward with his hands on the counter, he said, "Listen, this concerns the safety of my wife and child. These bonds were sold by your bank..."These bonds were sold by ProsperaCorp through the broker''spany, with a seven percentmission on the face value. Essentially, for every million bucks of bonds sold, the broker''spany earned seventy thousand in fees from ProsperaCorp and an additional two percent from the buyer, which was close to ten percent.


    When clients wished to sell these bonds, thepany could charge another two percent, or four percent overall from the transaction. The more transactions, the moremission the financialpany would earn. This incentivized brokers to encourage frequent trading.


    Thepany bore no risk, not even a nominal one, which was why more financialpanies had sprung up in Bupayne recently. As long as they had trading seats, they needed not worry about those who wanted to make money in the stock and securities markets not joining them.


    Ordinary people did not have priority trading rights. In the past, when financial markets were underdeveloped and not prosperous, they could still trade normally. Now, trading matches would ur only within trading seats. Apart from signing up as clients of financialpanies, they had no other means.


    With clients, financialpanies would be the most valued partners of brokerages and banks, thereby continuously obtaining more and more profits.


    In fact, small yellow sheets and initial public offerings followed a simr approach. Issuers must offer higher rebates to these financialpanies to incentivize them to heavily rmend these stocks, aiming to achieve the myth of multiplying market value on the first day of listing.


    What happend afterward would be another matter. The fact that this "legal scam" system of financialpanies could thrive to this day without any risk of copse showed that they long had aprehensive n to deal with ordinary people.


    Yet this time, the broker faced an unyielding Frank who solely med him, saying, "You told me to buy; I''m only dealing with you!"


    The teller shook her head. "Sir, I''m just a regr teller. Decisions like these are beyond my authority. You might want to consider other options. And if your family''s safety is at risk, I suggest calling the police."


    The broker closed his briefcase in disappointment. In fact, he had known from the beginning that this would be the oue. How could an organisation of the bank''s magnitude pay attention to a worthless little broker like him?


    However, knowing something was one thing, and personally experiencing such disregard was quite another.


    He grumbled under his breath as he carried his suitcase towards hispany''s "trading hall." On the eighth floor of the EaseLink Exchange, they had rented half a floor to serve as thepany''s facade.


    Sometimes, when important clients wanted to visit the exchange in person, they would be amodated here, where there was also a public disy board, constantly scrolling and synchronizing with the trading hall''s disy board.


    If the clients wanted a more direct experience of actual trading, they could stand by the trading hall and watch the impressive scene of traders continuously waving their arms and shouting as they manually matched trades in the spacious trading hall.


    Before the morning trading session began, only the cleaning staff were tidying up the room. Those who coulde here wererge ount holders who had opened ounts with theirpany and operated with over a hundred thousand bucks. Naturally, these individuals received preferential treatment.


    The broker entered the manager''s office with a stern face. The manager was somewhat surprised by his arrival but greeted him warmly.


    Frank''s broker was one of the more important business managers at this financial firm. Like he had mentioned to Frank, he had a whole phone book full of friends like him in his pocket, which had provided him with numerous opportunities and wealth.


    "What''s the matter?" The manager set aside his work, smiling as he looked at him.


    The broker pursed his lips. "I''ve run into a bit of trouble."


    "Tell me about it. Maybe I can offer you some advice," the manager said warmly, maintaining his approachability.


    The broker recounted everything he had encountered, including Frank''s ruthless hostage-taking of his familyst night and demanding that he convert those bonds into cash and redeposit them into his ount.


    Towards the end, the broker was almost pleading with the manager. "After all, those bonds were sold to him by us. Canceling this transaction wouldn''t incur any losses for us, and we could even pocket a three percent fee from canceling the deal with Frank..."


    As he continued, he found himself increasingly convinced of his reasoning. "Perhaps deducting our losses directly from Frank''s ount is the way to go. No, that''s exactly what we should do!"


    The manager, still smiling, listened until the broker finished. Then he pointed to the door. "I suggest you leave my office immediately and go to the police. What you''re saying is unrealistic."


    "You need to understand that once a transaction ispleted, there''s no possibility of ''retracting'' it. The bank won''t agree to such actions, and we''ll end up stuck with these bonds ourselves."


    "When others find out about this, more and more people wille after us. At that time, how are we going to handle them?"


    After saying that, his tone softened slightly. "What you should do now is call the police. They can help you resolve everything. Do you need me to call the police for you?"


    The manager picked up the phone, his finger hovering over the rotary dial, while the broker''s expression grew even more grim.


    Actually, he was well aware that it wasn''t yet time for the final settlement. In other words, even if Frank''s bonds had returned to the pool, it wouldn''t have affected the ultimate oue. However, thepany refused to do so.


    The broker''s face had already turned extremely grim, but the manager''s following words immediately extinguished all his anger in an instant. "You''ve earned well over the years. Twenty thousand shouldn''t be a big deal for you. Why not solve it yourself?"


    The manager''s words gnawed at the broker''s heart like poison. His face turned deathly pale in an instant.


    The broker still had over three hundred thousand bucks in his ount. He also traded stocks himself, but he was much shrewder than his clients. Moreover, he was the type who asionally had insider information.


    He was cautious when trading stocks, often waiting for precise information before acting, knowing that gains were almost certain once he had it.


    Of course, there were asional losses, but overall, he always made money.


    He bought arge house, purchased a luxury car, and enjoyed afortable life, all built upon theughter and pain of others.


    Now the manager''s words also caused turmoil his heart. Of course, family was the most important, but so was money.


    The manager knew his words had an effect. He hung up the phone andforted, "Perhaps you should reconsider. From what I''ve seen, there''s only about two hundred thousand in bonds here. You cane up with that money to secure your family''s safety, or call the police to handle it. The choice is yours, but don''t think about letting thepany to handle it."


    The broker, in a daze, found himself outside EaseLink Exchange, unaware of how he left the office. As the opening bell approached, he saw elite members of society, dressed simrly to him, converging on the exchange. Yet, what once thrilled him now felt hollow and stifling.


    Later, at the police station, he resolved to take action and report everything. Soon after, a swarm of journalists descended, drawn by his promise of a bombshell revtion.


    He was merely an innocent victim ensnared in this debacle. Hispany had ways to assist but chose not to extend a hand. The banks showed indifference to his plight, watching him spiral into despair.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 182:

    Chapter 182:


    "What''s so important that you want to interrupt my meeting?"


    The President of Baylor Federation stood in the lounge, somewhat displeased. His principal aide had just interrupted his discussion with several international affairs experts, making him feel he had poor manners. Naturally, his tone wasn''t pleasant.


    The principal aide sighed with a wry smile, "Mr. President, the bond issue has been exposed. What should we do next?"


    Initially, the President of Baylor Federation wore a look of impatience, but upon hearing this news, he immediately became tense.


    During the time before the end of the world war, war bonds had always been his proud political maneuver. By purchasing war bonds¡ªa kind of protection fee¡ªthe mes of war didn''t reach Baylor Federation. Moreover, after the war, these bonds could also be converted into substantial wealth.


    Believing it to be the most brilliant policy of his political career, he used the slogan, "We don''t need to participate in wars, but we''ll still enjoy the spoils of victory," when promoting it, which resonated deeply with the public.


    Recently, he had been trying to solve this problem, facing considerable pressure because the entities capable of buyingrge amounts of these bonds were mainly banks and financial institutions somewhat representing the national stance.


    These groups usually operated silently but controlled many people''s destinies and were closely tied to people''s lives.


    His initial intention was to form an alliance with some neutral countries to protect interests, then solve part of the bond issue and calm the public''s anxiety, addressing subsequent problems gradually.He and his aides believed the difficulties were temporary unless the victorious countries intended to push them into the defeated nations'' camp.


    Unexpectedly, it erupted at this moment. Feeling tense, he also became angry, "Which idiot did it?"


    The principal aide then exined the whole situation. Actually, neither the President nor his cab, including his aides, had anticipated the banks and financial institutions would shamelessly shift the risk.


    Knowing the bonds were practically worthless, they had spread them among financialpanies and, through some operations, hyped these foreign bonds, making ordinary citizens the main victims.


    "Those damn, greedy mongrels." the President cursed, then solemnly looked at his principal aide, "Quicklye up with some solutions. Also, restrain the media, asking them to keep their mouths shut. I don''t want to stand at a press conference looking like a fool when I don''t know how to solve these problems, understand?"


    Every year, the President would spend millions of bucks and countless invisible benefits to maintain these aides. Now was the time to show their value.


    The principal aide nodded solemnly, "I know what to do. Within twenty-four hours, we will have measures ready."


    Only then did the President''s expression rx a bit. After straightening his cor and tie, he turned and walked towards the meeting room, "I hope the next time we meet, you will have good news for me as promised."


    Shortly after, a call from the President''s private office notified nearly all mainstream and non-mainstream media outlets, even charitable magazines and advertisements. Now, they were racing against time.


    Even if they couldn''t prevent the sudden outbreak, they had toe up with a truly effective solution before the big explosion.


    However, not everything would go as desired.


    Mainstream media like "Trading Report," "Federal Times," "Baylor Daily," and "International News Review" indeed followed the President''s private office''s request and stopped publishing the news. But some small newspapers didn''t.


    "Happy Weekly" was one such newspaper. Its name was rted to its content. Their mission was to connect wealthy phnthropists with girls in need of support.


    There were always people in need and those willing to help. Such tforms existed in every state of the federation, and everyone was ustomed to it.


    After all, solicitation was illegal in many states, but aid was legal. The newspaper naturally earned some intermediary fees, which was one of their main ie sources.


    Such charity newspapers usually had no connection with ethics, current events, or politics, knowing that even if they published such news, no one would read it.


    Instead, readers would call to berate them for half an hour, then tell the newspaper that if they didn''t see boobs on the front page next week, they would cancel their subscription and not call their hotline.


    So, regardless of what happened outside, such newspapers remained unmoved. But today was different.


    "Most of our clients are actually beneficiaries of financial transactions."


    In the president''s office, the editor-in-chief, senior editors, and other editors gathered. Although the newspaper was small and had special content, it had all necessary positions.


    The president of the newspaper, smoking a pipe, said, "If a financial crisis really urs, our clients will be poor, and we will be poor because of it."


    "No one will continue to subscribe to our newspaper, no one will call the hotline, and no one will pay us intermediary fees. So, we need to publish this news to remind our clients to minimize their losses."


    At this point, the editor-in-chief couldn''t help but interject, "But the authorities have asked us not to report this news."


    The president nodded, "That''s true. But so what?"


    He looked at everyone in the office indifferently, "Those major newspapers are backed by conglomerates or politicians. They have to obey their masters who will give them bones. But our clients are our only support."


    "Without clients, what will we eat or drink? What will those girls eat or drink?"


    "When we are about to go bankrupt, do you think the authorities or those conglomerates will save us?"


    The president shook his head, "No, only our customers can keep us fed. Trust me, start the presses immediately." He paused, then said what everyone wanted to hear, "Even if there are consequences, I will bear them alone."


    Soon, "Happy Weekly" began publishing extra editions. They generally only did this for significant events, like new girls needing help or adult filmpanies releasing major series.


    This sparked the curiosity of many subscribers, and soon the extra editions of the newspaper were sold out overnight, prompting distributors from various regions to call in and request more copies.


    This action also led more newspapers and media outlets to start reporting the news; after all, they were just following the trend, and the only one who would be in trouble was the first to report it.


    Within one night, everyone in the federation knew about banks refusing to honor any foreign bonds, and foreign issuers also refusing to honor the bonds people held. Bonds bought for thousands, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands were now as worthless as scrap paper.


    What''s even scarier was that many people, like Frank, had just taken out personal loans to invest in these bonds.


    The situation quickly spiraled out of control. Yet, at the center of the storm, Frank and his broker likely still didn''t realize that they weren''t just uncovering a wound¡ªthey were hitting a major artery.


    The next morning, around nine, there was amotion outside a vi, even with sirens ring.


    Frank, who had slept on afortable sofa all night, woke up instantly. The sofa was toofortable, even better than his bed. That was the value of money.


    Still groggy, he walked to the window and looked outside. What he saw next instantly jolted him awake,pletely dispelling his drowsiness.


    Arge number of police officers had gathered outside, along with armed police and some soldiers. Realising that damn broker must have called the police, Frank cursed and pulled his head back from the window.


    Actually,st night when the broker didn''t return, Frank already had this feeling. He was just waiting, waiting for a glimmer of hope, or perhaps the broker calling the police was also part of his n.


    If the broker truly couldn''t cash in those bonds, this ce would be a crime scene. Frank had seen many TV shows and films with simr plots.


    When criminals took hostages, they could make demands such as requesting journalists and media to gather before them. This way, they could exin the reasons behind their actions to the public.


    At that time, the entire nation would inevitably be in an uproar, and people would sympathize with him, standing by his side. Even if he were to go to prisonter, at least he would be able to get his money back.


    It must be said that this was indeed a creative idea. While it was nearly impossible for an ordinary person to gather arge number of reporters, a criminal could easily achieve this.


    However, in reality, things wouldn''t always unfold ording to the script of films.


    While Frank waited in the bedroom for the hostage negotiator to call out, a special operations team had already begun breaching the door. From the outset, their objective was simple¡ªneutralize Frank and silence him.


    The situation had unraveled beyond repair. Frank''s fate had be inconsequential, but for some, closure was necessary. The death of Frank seemed to satisfy certain individuals'' desires.


    From the initiation of the operation to the sound of gunfire, barely five minutes had psed.


    In the end, the team leader of the operation reported to the scenemander with a cold expression, narrating a terrible incident with a tone filled with regret.


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 Chapter 183:

    Chapter 183:


    "Mr. President, Frank has been shot dead."


    Outside the press conference hall of the presidential pce, the security chief, dressed in formal attire, whispered the news into the President''s ear as he was reviewing his speech.


    The President slowly put down the script in his hand, looked at his security chief, and rubbed his face. "This is really bad news. But are the hostages safe?"


    The security chief solemnly nodded. "ording to reports from the scene, Frank refused tomunicate and attempted to harm the hostages. Our people had no choice but to shoot. The hostages are safe."


    Only then did the President nod in satisfaction. "That''s good. Protecting the safety of federal citizens is my duty..." He then picked up the script again, nced at it a few times, and nodded to the security chief and principal aide before stepping into the conference room.


    As he walked into the room, the shlights almost turned the ce into a silver world. Even the President, who was ustomed to the media, found the sudden burst of light somewhat ufortable.


    He squinted slightly and walked to the podium, lowering his gaze to make himself morefortable.


    It had been twenty-four hours since the situation broke out yesterday morning. Regardless of what others thought, the media would go crazy first, followed by public opinion.


    The news had spread. Trying to cover it up was impractical and would make the President and his cab seem ipetent. They had to find a way to resolve it, at least to calm the ordinary investors blocking the doors of banks or exchanges first.After a few seconds, the frequency of the shes decreased, but all the reporters raised their arms high. Through his earpiece, the President heard his principal aide''s voice, "Thedy in the second row, fourth seat, wearing a blue scarf..."


    The President looked up and saw ady with a blue scarf in the second row. He pointed casually, "Thedy with the blue scarf..."


    When thedy reporter stood up, the others immediately put down their raised hands, grabbed their pens, and prepared to write.


    After the room quieted down a bit, thedy reporter asked, "Mr. President, since yesterday, people have discovered that the war bonds issued abroad cannot be redeemed. What can we do, and what can you do?"


    Some reporters frowned; the question was not sharp enough. It was so ordinary that it was almost worthless, as the President or his press officer would eventually address such issues even if not asked. It was a wasted opportunity to ask a question.


    But since it was asked, they still recorded it.


    The President maintained hisposure and stability, responding almost immediately, "We have urgently contacted the issuing countries of the bonds, and our embassy is in emergency negotiations with their local governments."


    "So far, we haven''t found any effective solutions, but I can assure the public that we are not wasting a single moment. Our ambassadors and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been working tirelessly since yesterday."


    "If there is any new progress, it will be announced to the public immediately."


    The answer was standard andcked highlights. Some reporters stopped writing halfway through, knowing they could directly use the press release.


    Usually, such press conferences would have a press release containing official responses and core ideas. Mainstream media would respect the content of this release, making some modifications without altering the core.


    However, less mainstream media would speak more boldly, often turning a formal press conference into what seemed like a conspiracy briefing, gaining more readers and subscriptions through this approach.


    Next, a few more lucky reporters were called upon to ask questions. Their questions were too standard, disappointing many journalists, as the Q&A session turned into a solo performance by the President.


    This situation was bing increasinglymon. When the President first took office, he wouldn''t arrange such scripted press conferences, and he was more passionate. But look at him now.


    Almost every press conference he personally attended was like this, filled with official questions and answers, without a hint of surprise.


    Wouldn''t those "journalists" feel disgusted of themselves?


    In reality, it didn''t matter if it was disgusting. What mattered was avoiding embarrassment when the situation was unclear.


    Half an hourter, the press conference ended. The President quickly left, and his press officer took over.


    Reporters still didn''t expect valuable answers from the press officer. When questions became sharp, he would state that he was just a press officer and could only answer pre-prepared questions, leaving people helpless and deeply frustrated.


    After leaving the press conference room, the President removed some electronic devices that made him feel ufortable. These things weighed several kilograms, and carrying them around was not a pleasant experience.


    He returned to his office and called in his principal aide and aides, seeking suggestions and solutions to the current problem.


    Some issues couldn''t be postponed.


    "Mr. President, we deliberated all day yesterday and finally came to a solution. However..." He nced at the others and then at the President, "However, you might not like it."


    The President frowned. "What kind of solution?" he asked, half-jokingly in a serious tone, "For example, that I should submit my resignation to Congress?"


    This was clearly not a funny joke. The principal aide forced a chuckle. "We believe the best course of action now is to let things develop naturally and provide some simple answers when necessary. This better suits our current situation and stance."


    The President''s frown deepened, and he scratched his ear. "Sorry, I don''t quite understand what you''re saying. Can you borate?"


    The principal aide began to exin in more detail, "We do nothing for now, because no matter what we do, we can''t change the attitude of those countries. They won''t redeem the bonds, especially the victorious nations."


    The unredeemable war bonds mainly came from the victorious countries. The defeated nations were willing to redeem these bonds and had publicly announced this as a national policy, postponing redemption for a year and increasing the redemption ratio by fifteen percent.


    However, everyone knew that by the time they could redeem, the money or currency they provided would be worthless.


    The President nodded. He knew this. "So your solution is to do nothing?" He leaned back, showing no change in attitude or expression. "How do I exin this to the citizens?"


    The principal aide quickly corrected the small error in his words. "It''s not you exining to the citizens; it''s those countries refusing redemption exining to the internationalmunity."


    "Actually, we all believe this is a good thing, as we''ve inadvertently solved some crucial problems by shifting the conflict from a matter between governments to an issue between a government and the international public."


    "Previously, the refusal to redeem bonds was a national act, targeting the Baylor Federation as a national entity. But now, their opponent bes ordinary citizens, making their actions seem shameless."


    "We can unite with other countries facing the same issue, even the defeated nations, to create momentum in international opinion. If we can privately persuade a few small countries to redeem some of the bonds, it will undermine the trust among the victorious nations."


    "More importantly, we can use ''protecting the legal rights of citizens'' as an excuse to rally some support in the internationalmunity. Complete istion is not feasible, as facts have shown."


    The President listened and thought carefully. He had to admit that what the principal aide said was indeed feasible. As the biggest supporter of istionist policy, the President now realized its drawbacks.


    When the Baylor Federation encountered trouble, no one would step forward to help. In the internationalmunity, due to istion, it had no standing. This was why the victorious countries could easily manipte the Baylor Federation.


    His thoughts ran deep and fast. He tapped his fingers on the desk unconsciously. "Neutral Alliance?"


    The principal aide nodded slightly. This was his underlying idea. Since istionism had proven unworkable, they would use another rtively moderate approach to change the Baylor Federation''s position in the internationalmunity.


    Considering the President rose to power on this policy, they aimed to unite some neutral countries without changing the stance of neutrality. This way, citizens wouldn''t feel the failure of istionism, while they could leverage the power of the public to solve some issues, making it a perfect solution.


    "What about those causing trouble outside? How do we deal with them?" The President quickly decided and asked a sharp question.


    The principal aide implied, "Some people have to take responsibility for this matter..."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 184:

    Chapter 184:


    When it came to shamelessness and cunning, no one could match a nation.


    Once the President and his advisory team decided to sacrifice the interests of ordinary people, nothing could change that decision. It was a hasty one, revealing the imperfections of the Baylor Federation.


    The economic and financial development of this country had long been distorted. It wasn''t an indestructible skyscraper but one precariously bnced on a dangerous tightrope, ready to copse at the slightest mishap.


    Many middle-ss citizens were trapped by their heavy investments in bonds. Despite the government''s attempts to scapegoat a few individuals, no substantial solutions were found, escting the tensions further.


    On October 9th, an article titled "We Are Isted and Helpless" emerged, criticizing the administration''s erroneous decisions, particrly the istionist policy¡ªthe most disastrous in history. The article unveiled all hidden conflicts within the Federation and used the unredeemed bonds as a starting point to describe the country''s dire situation in the internationalmunity.


    As the title suggested, the Baylor Federation was isted internationally. The seemingly strong government had no means to counter obvious rogue behavior, resorting only to sacrificing its citizens.


    ording to the article, the Baylor Federation was on the brink of copse, with intensifying ss conflicts, social discord, capitalist and political frictions, and issues in education and healthcare. It was like a leaky ship about to sink.


    The day after the article was published, the Federal Industrial Index experienced its first major plunge in seven years, dropping over 5% within a morning.


    The report revealed the harsh reality people had tried to hide. It exacerbated the outflow of foreign capital. International spective funds realized the federation''s golden age had ended, and staying meant sinking with it.These unaligned international funds left without hesitation, causing unusual fluctuations in the stock market. On October 11th, the Federal Industrial Index rebounded, and most media outlets provided optimistic summaries.


    They imed the October 9th plunge was merely a technical adjustment, a step back to climb higher. Some experts even used a spring to exin why the drop would lead to greater gains.


    For a few days, the stock market seemed stable, just as experts predicted, but brokers and financialpanies quietly withdrew. The unusually high trading volume was mistaken for a new market surge, masking a looming crisis.


    Even in reality, changes were visible. Housing prices in major cities began to drop, long-term installment payments were supported, and banks tightened mortgage loans.


    Everything seemed to improve, but as confusion grew, the end of October brought another historic single-day drop of 9% in the Federal Industrial Index.


    This time, no one called it a "technical adjustment."


    On thest Saturday of October, Lynch woke up and read the newspaper at the dining table. The usually colorful paper looked like a relic from a century ago, printed in ck and white. The headline of "Trading Report" read only one word: "Disaster."


    In one day, billions of bucks evaporated from the market. Stock exchanges were overcrowded, and even the bond rights groups couldn''t muster attention anymore.


    People discussed stocks, as two crashes within a month were unprecedented, especially thest one, which wiped out a third or even half the value of some stocks.


    This kind of crash was no longer just a technical adjustment; it was not about adjusting parameters or prices¡ªit was about human lives.


    An unstoppable panic quickly spread. Almost all financial newspapers adopted a ck-and-white theme, as if mourning.


    Reporting such grim news didn''t help the market; it burst the bubble.


    Once panic selling started, it was hard to stop without state intervention. But the governmentcked the resources to bail out the market.


    Even if they could, they wouldn''t do it. If the Conservative Party caused the federal government to go bankrupt, they would surely be aughingstock in history¡ªthe first party and their president to bankrupt the federal government.


    Just the thought of it would send shivers down one''s spine. So rather than bing a joke, they chose indifference.


    Looking at this news, Lynch appeared very calm andposed. He hadn''t been exposed to these things for a while, but he was still well aware that they were destined to copse. External forces were just one part of the reason; there were also many internal issues within the Federation itself.


    Of course, the most fatal issue was the istion policy promoted by the Conservative government, which directly blocked international trade. History showed that major powers, including the Baylor Federation, rose during the Age of Exploration, which didn''t embrace istionism.


    Any country that practiced istionism only grew weaker, while those that actively engaged with the internationalmunity and continuously expanded and plundered became increasingly stronger.


    Little did anyone expect that over a hundred yearster, under the leadership of the Conservative Party, a group of war-fearing softies would actually turn back the clock on history. It was truly ironic, a colossal irony¡ªthe descendants of adventurous sailors now afraid to engage with the outside world.


    However, that couldn''t be entirely considered a bad thing. At least that disaster woke up the Baylor Federation, making certain things easier to handle afterward.


    While Lynch was enjoying his breakfast, Ferrall arrived hastily. As Lynch expected, he hade to discuss financial market matters, recognizing Lynch''s expertise and expecting mature insights¡ªexactly the impression Lynch typically left on people.


    "Please get Mr. Ferrall some breakfast as well..." After Ferrall exined his purpose, Lynch instructed the maid to prepare another breakfast while he folded the newspaper and set it aside. "These things don''t actually concern us much."


    His first words set the tone. "Sabin City has only two listedpanies. One has delisted, and the other would soon copse even without the stock crash."


    "The real impact will be on those heavily invested in the stock market, who will lose everything. If they used credit loans, it would be worse. But these people are a minority."


    Ferrall, worried, said, "If most residents go bankrupt, even with government aid, we won''t be able to meet the city''s needs."


    Lynch smiled. "You''re oveplicating it. When people are desperate enough, their only need is survival."


    "Whether they lived in mansions or drove luxury cars, after bankruptcy, they''ll line up for food aid like everyone else. You''ll only need to issue more food stamps and add some more flour to relief food."


    He paused briefly before continuing, "In fact, I believe that when you find it difficult to afford, transforming solid foods into liquid forms can meet more food demands without increasing cost."


    "And besides, hunger will contribute to the rtive stability of the lower sses."


    When people were too hungry to have the energy to do bad things, public order would naturally stabilizes. So, in that sense, it was not entirely wrong.


    Ferrall chuckled wryly and shook his head. He didn''t know what to say. Sometimes Lynch''s calm and rational words didn''t seem like something a young person should say, but at the same time, he couldn''t deny that Lynch was right.


    When external conditions didn''t allow, people''s demands would reduce to just "surviving" ¡ª as simple as that.


    As the maid brought a sumptuous breakfast, Ferrall thanked her and started eating. After a few bites, Lynch suddenly asked, "That ¡®We Are Isted and Helpless'' article came from within the Progressive Party, didn''t it?"


    Ferrall''s dining abruptly paused, then he chuckled, saying, "Of course not, we wouldn''t do such a foolish thing. It wouldn''t be good for anyone."


    Lynch smiled, meeting Ferrall''s eyes. Ferrall gradually felt uneasy under Lynch''s steady and confident gaze, losing his appetite.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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    Chapter 185:


    When Lynch firstid eyes on the article "We Are Isted and Helpless," he immediately recognized it as the work of the Progressive Party. Only someone with a profound understanding of domestic and international affairs could write such a piece.


    Getting such an article published in the media wasn''t easy either. It required substantial backing and influence to ensure that the media would print it without hesitation.


    At this critical juncture, the only entity Lynch could imagine boldly backstabbing the Conservative Party, despite the domestic situation, was the Progressive Party itself.


    Ordinary individuals or forces acting in such a manner would only enrage the ruling party. Even though the Conservatives were currently in disarray, dealing with an unruly entity or force would still be rtively straightforward for them.


    They could even use this article to create another distraction, diverting public attention. However, their inaction implied that they were unable to immediately confront and produce results against the instigator of the article.


    Only the Progressive Party had the capability to act like this, and their motives were not difficult to guess.


    The war between the Progressive Party and the Conservative Party had been ongoing for a long time. Sorry to the Socialists, they had no part in this¡ªthey always avoidedpetition between the two major parties from the beginning, making them eternal bystanders.


    When the Conservative Party''s policies were deemed a mistake, the country''s direction needed to change. Lynch even believed that the Conservative Party''s upper echelons were aware of this.


    Politics, sometimes, was dirty, ugly, yet oddly sacred.The two sighed for a moment, and suddenly, as if Ferrall had a thought, he asked pointedly, "Do you have any other solutions?"


    Unexpectedly, Lynch didn''t evade the question but gave Ferrall an answer that made his head spin a bit, "I n to make a quick trip to Bupayne as soon as possible."


    "To Bupayne for what?" Curiosity piqued Ferrall, "I heard trading seat prices have dropped. Are you nning to start a financialpany too?"


    Perhaps Ferrall, like some others, had not yet realized that a greater disaster was looming. Though they already felt their current situation was disastrous, it was not the worst yet.


    With the stock market''s two recent crashes and a pessimistic outlook for the future, the price of trading seats on the exchange had dropped for the first time in a decade. From a high of nine hundred seventy thousand per seat earlier in the month, it had plummeted to eight hundred fifty thousand, with trading bing more frequent.


    Some predicted the price might eventually drop to around eight hundred thousand, making it a great buying opportunity.


    Trading seats, a scarcemodity, always held value. Even if it plummeted further in the future, as long as people invested in stocks and securities, trading seats would retain their value.


    People still held onto hope that things would get better in the future.


    This hope wasn''t necessarily misced, but there wasn''t much hope in the short term.


    Lynch wiped some soup from the corner of his mouth, then his hands, tossing the napkin onto the edge of the table. He smiled, saying, "I''m going to buy bonds."


    "What, what did you just say..." Ferrall felt he might not have rested well these days, hallucinating even. He chuckled at himself, "Did I hear you say you''re going to buy bonds?"


    Lynch nodded, looking serious, "You heard me right. I''m buying bonds."


    Ferrall finally grasped the situation and raised his voice, "Are you crazy? Buying bonds at a time like this? They''re practically worthless now!"


    The Progressive Party''s article had exposed the President''s rhetoric, making people realize these bonds were hard to redeem unless a miracle urred!


    Despair had spread among bondholders; some reporters even captured enraged holders tearing up bonds outside exchanges and banks.


    Lynch was initially uncertain, but when he received the confirmation from Ferrall, he knew it was the right time.


    If the Progressive Party intended to counter the Conservative Party now, their policies would need aplete reversal. In other words, the Conservative Party''s istionist policies had failed, and to regain ground, they needed not only to overthrow the Conservatives but also promote international integration policies.


    Increased interaction with the internationalmunity, stronger diplomatic rtions, and a clear stance that could align with the victorious allies of this impending world war.


    The logic was simple; everyone wanted to befriend the best. The same went for rtionships between nations.


    If rtions between the Baylor Federation and these victorious nations eased, it would directly reflect an upgrade in bteral rtions, resolving some lingering issues.


    Resolving these bonds, even if only partially or through policy swaps, was highly likely.


    What was worthless now, like scrap paper, might regain value in two or three years¡ªor it might take longer, or possibly, be forgotten altogether.


    But Lynch felt this deal could be made. Commercial investment, in essence, was a form of gambling; when risks were low, it was called investment.


    When risks were high, it was called spection.


    Regardless of spection or investment, its nature remained unchanged¡ªit was a gamble.


    cing money on a project and betting it would ultimately seed.


    A high-quality project had to possess many elements: low risk, high return. But beyond thesemon factors was another, lessmon but crucial factor: maneuverability.


    Great risks meant potentially greater rewards, and with some maneuverability, Lynch believed it was worth a gamble.


    This wasn''t just a return of several percent; it could be hundreds or thousands of percent. Anyone would take that bet.


    Before some news spread, he needed to act quickly.


    Seeing that Lynch didn''t argue with him, Ferrall realized that Lynch had already made a firm decision. Recognizing that Lynch was a determined young man, Ferrall decided to drop the subject.


    Sometimes, instead of arguing to stop someone from trying to run before they''d learned to walk, it was better to let them run and then exin why they shouldn''t have after they fell.


    After receiving some useless information from Lynch, Ferrall quickly departed, leaving Lynch to prepare.


    Later, Lynch called Vera. The purchase of bonds might involve substantial funds, using his personal ount, so he needed Vera''s assistance.


    Not long afterward, Lynch''s car appeared outside the upscale residentialpound where Vera lived. Even this affluent neighborhood seemed affected at the moment. Lynch noticed a truck parked outside loaded with furniture, and a woman holding hands with two children, her face reflecting uncertainty about the future.


    Only the children,ughing and ying carefree, seemed unaware of the gravity of the situation. Moving seemed like an adventure to them, something fun. They couldn''t yet grasp that it signaled a less bright path ahead.


    Happiness was always a transient thing.


    Before long, Vera emerged from her residentialpound carrying a bag. She had applied some light makeup to enhance her natural look and conceal minor imperfections.


    As she got into the car, Vera noticed Lynch''s gaze. She nced outside, unable to resist saying, "This is the ninth family this month..."


    She then turned back to Lynch, "You might not believe it, but more families are facing the decision to move out of this residentialpound. They can''t afford their loans and interest anymore; the banks are taking their homes."


    Lynch also looked at her, "How are things on your end? Any trouble?"


    Vera nodded, "Some trouble, but nothing major. I know what you''re going to say, and if necessary, I''ll speak up."


    "I hope it won''t get to that point." Lynch offered a slight blessing, lifting Vera''s spirits a bit.


    They had also invested a lot of money in stocks, as both their jobs allowed them to earn more than others.


    Some of this money went to repay loans and various installments, while the rest went into financial markets for appreciation.


    Both were ountants, highly sensitive to money and numbers. They knew money depreciated and quickly at that.


    ording to a report fromst year not publicly released, the Federal Thor had depreciated by 12.7% in just one year¡ªmeaning that out of every hundred bucks, 12.70 bucks mysteriously vanished.


    In any rapidly developing society, this phenomenon wasmon. The value created by society surpassed the face value of the currency, necessitating more money to meet daily needs.


    The more money issued, the more the currency''s value shrunk. Money itself was also amodity, so naturally, it needed to follow market rules.


    For ordinary people, the concept of currency depreciation may be limited to things simply bing more expensive. However, Gap and Vera had a clear understanding that if money wasn''t invested or spent wisely, its actual value would only diminish over time.


    Therefore, investment became a necessity for such households. When it came to investment choices, nothing suited ountants better than stocks and securities, particrly Gap, who had opportunities to ess insider information and had made money through such avenues.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 186:

    Chapter 186:


    "A few days ago, people still weren''t this desperate," Lynch sighed as he looked at the increasingly zombie-like people on the street from the car.


    The stock market crash had taken away people''sst shred of hope. Before this, no matter how difficult brick-and-mortar business operations were, people believed that everything would soon get better due to the booming financial market that created miracles every day.


    As long as the financial market hadn''t copsed, people still had hope, even when facing difficulties.


    But now, the crash had stolen that hope. The unprecedented double plunge in the market hadpletely shattered some people''s persistence, forcing them to face the harsh reality that nothing could go back to the way it was.


    The inside and the outside of the car seemed like two different worlds, twopletely unequal and mutually unfair worlds.


    Lynch shifted his gaze from the street to Vera. "How much avable cash do I currently have in my personal ount?"


    Vera responded quickly, immediately connecting the dots. "Four million four hundred seventy thousand. Do you want to know the exact amount?"


    "No need. How much can I actually use?"


    "About three million five hundred thousand. Besides the taxes that need to be deducted, part of the money has to be used for sries and operations," Vera said, looking at Lynch with an emotion she couldn''t quite define. It might have been admiration, amazement, or even a bit of awe.A few months ago, when she was notified by the firm about an ounting job, she thought it was a simple task¡ªsomething she could handle in a few hours a week.


    The young man she faced was handsome and gentlemanly, but he definitely didn''t have money. Yet, in just a few months, he had umted wealth that many people, or even families, couldn''t achieve in a lifetime.


    Sometimes it all felt like a dream. She couldn''t understand how it was done, how he could make people believe in him and invest their money.


    Lynch nodded without much reaction. "Are you freetely?"


    This was a sensitive question. When a male boss asks a female subordinate if she''s free, it often implies a business trip that awaits her.


    In social culture, traveling together can represent a dangerous intention, even if it''s under the guise of work; it''s still very "lethal."


    Vera suddenly felt uneasy and unsure, not immediately answering Lynch''s question. "I''m not sure. Why do you ask?"


    Lynch seemed oblivious to the anxiety behind her response and maintained the same tone, attitude, and pace as before. "I need to go to Bupayne tomorrow to acquire some assets, involving significant financial transactions. If you don''t go, I''ll have to find someone else. But I don''t trust others; I only trust you."


    Some words may not be earth-shattering, but they would always touch the softest parts of one''s heart.


    Vera hesitated. Lynch''s reasoning wasn''t unfounded.


    In the Baylor Federation, the closest person to someone wasn''t their "soulmate" but their private ountant, privatewyer, and private psychologist.


    A private ountant knew a person''s most urate financial situation, sometimes down to every penny. People might hide their ie and savings from their partner but never from their ountant.


    The same went for privatewyers. These individuals were privy to the deepest legal issues hidden in a person''s heart. They often knew with perfect rity whether their clients hadmitted a crime and the extent of that crime¡ªsomething even the judge might not know.


    As for private psychologists, they were more like soulmates than soulmates themselves. Any deep-seated desires, hatred, or anger, whether negative or positive emotions, people would confess them to their psychologists.


    In front of their psychologist, they were as ifid bare, something they could never achieve with their soulmate.


    Vera yed such a role. Lynch didn''t even know how much money he had, but she knew very clearly. She even tracked every penny of Lynch''s money.


    When she heard that Lynch would find another ountant if she couldn''t go, she felt a ridiculous yet real sense of territorial infringement.


    Lynch''s clean gaze and earnest look were hard to refuse. Vera subconsciously touched her cheek and then her neck before looking to the side. "How long will it take?"


    "Not more than a week. I''ll speed things up."


    They then went to the bank to handle some of Lynch''s ount issues, transferring part of the money to a newly established ount. After that, Lynch drove Vera home, arranging to pick her up the next morning for their trip to Bupayne.


    That evening, Gap returned home exhausted from thepany, having been dealing with piles of ounts.


    As CEO Neo had predicted, the state Federal Bureau of Investigation reportedly received a tip-off alleging Liston''s hidden ie. An investigation teamprising the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Tax Bureau, and the Federal Security Commission began their inquiry.


    Actually, Gap was a bit confused because auditing is normal, but it shouldn''t have rmed federal agencies like the Federal Security Commission, whose mission was to eliminate domestic threats that could affect national security.


    Would Listoan''s transfer threaten national security?


    Obviously not, but he was just a small cog in the machine and couldn''t resist the injury from those agencies. He was already on the ship and could only follow its course.


    While eating reheated dinner in the dining room, Vera suddenly appeared. Since that incident, the couple rarely spent time together like they used to.


    Some things, even if salvaged, were hard to restore to their original state.


    "What''s wrong?" Gap put down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth, and looked at his wife.


    Vera nodded her head hesitantly but still spoke up in the end, "I need to go on a business trip tomorrow. It''ll take about a week."


    "A business trip?" Gap''s voice rose slightly. "Will it be safe for you to travel alone?"


    He was a smart man. Instead of questioning who she was traveling with, he expressed concern for her safety, subtly probing.


    "I''m going with Lynch to Bupayne for work," Vera exined, finding nothing unusual about it. "It''s just a regr business trip. You travel often; you understand."


    Gap pursed his lips, his scalp itching. He looked at Vera, who met his gaze without flinching.


    After a few seconds of silence, Gap asked a question that stunned Vera. "Will you sleep with him?"


    The question hit Vera like a speeding train, leaving her dazed. Her tone changed. "Why would you think that?"


    Realizing the nature of the question, she eximed, "I''m your wife!"


    Gap, unusually calm, spoke as if discussing something unrted to him. "Look, ever since you got this job, you talk about Lynch the most."


    "I know him¡ªa handsome young man. Anyone would like him. And I''ve heard he sometimes drives you homete at night..." He paused. "The whole residentialpound knows about it¡ªyou are getting along so well with a young man."


    Lynch had driven Vera home several times, making it hard to avoid being noticed.


    People love gossip and often embellish stories. This was a juicy topic¡ªA beautiful young woman and a handsome young man, if sparks were to fly between them, it wouldn''t be entirely uneptable.


    Some women even envied Vera, wishing for a young man to bring them warmth at night.


    Vera looked at Gap incredulously, finding him increasingly unfamiliar. She shook her head. "Sometimes I workte into the night. Do you expect me to refuse him and then trek half the city on foot back home?"


    "And my loyalty to this family surpasses yours. I''ve never slept with him, and I won''t on this trip either!"


    "I''m not like you, letting any woman climb into your bed!"


    "I''m going to Bupayne tomorrow. Good night!"


    Vera, angry, returned to her bedroom, feeling humiliated. Her husband actually used that tone to suspect that she would sleep with Lynch, which was simply absurd!


    Gap, sitting in the dining room, watched Vera''s back without anger or satisfaction, just quietly.


    The next morning, Lynch''s original n was to pick up Vera, but she called him beforehand to let him know she would go to the office first, instructing Lynch to meet her there instead.


    Around ten o''clock, they boarded the train together.


    The journey from Sabin to Bupayne took about twelve hours¡ªa long trip.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 187:

    Chapter 187:


    At 2:30 AM, the train finally came to a slow stop outside Bupayne Central Station. Emerging from the station with the sparse crowd, Lynch took a deep breath.


    The smoggy air carried a scent that excited every cell in his body¡ªthis was the smell of the big city.


    In Sabin City, most of the streets were pitch ck after 8 PM, with barely anything visible. Even in better areas, the dim streetlights would make people feel uneasy. Except for a few central districts that remained brightly lit all night, most areas fell silent as water after dark.


    But the city before Lynch at the moment seemed to be glowing. Admittedly, there were indeed some ces that were very dark, but the sky above the distant city center was as bright as day.


    "Sir, need a ride?" A taxi driver waiting outside the station asked proactively.


    Lynch nced at him and couldn''t help but smile. The big city was indeed different from the small city, even the taxi drivers dressed differently.


    In Sabin City, taxi drivers didn''t have any uniform or specific attire. They just needed to buy an operating license from the taxi managementpany to start their business.


    There were no strict requirements for them, let alone dress codes. So in Sabin City, people could often see many oddly dressed drivers, especially in the summer.


    It was said that a driver was onceined about by a passenger for not wearing pants, and the passenger demandedpensation from the driver and the managementpany for emotional distress. Yes, it was a female passenger who felt she was insulted in a certain way.Here, however, taxi drivers wore ck uniforms, peaked caps, and white gloves, looking very reassuring.


    Lynch nodded and opened the car door for Vera.


    Lynch didn''t carry much luggage, but Vera had a suitcase. After they both got into the car, Lynch gave the address of the Bupayne Grand Hotel, and the taxi driver immediately started the vehicle.


    The Bupayne Grand Hotel was one of the best hotels in Bupayne, mainly used to host important dignitaries and celebrities, and it had also received some foreign visitors. Many people believed that staying at the Bupayne Grand Hotel indicated one''s status.


    This stereotypical view persisted to this day. Even the taxi driver''s attitude improved when he heard Lynch was staying at the Bupayne Grand Hotel.


    After about a twenty-minute drive, the entire street had turned from dark to bright. Looking at the bustling streets outside the window, Vera was curious, "Is the security here good?"


    Lynch looked at the driver, "Perhaps Mr. Driver knows something."


    Hearing this, the driver adjusted his hat with one hand. He had been holding back from talking for about twenty minutes, almost suffocating. Now he was finally able to speak. "Sir, ma''am, Bupayne used to be rtively safe, but recently¡­"


    Through the rearview mirror, Lynch saw a serious expression on his face, "There are more people wandering the streets these days, and there have been many robberies happening every day. It''s said someone was killed a few days ago. So if it''s not necessary, I suggest you both stay indoors at night."


    Vera sighed after hearing this, "I didn''t expect it to be the same everywhere."


    The driver also sighed, "Life is getting tougher everywhere, not just here, but everywhere else too."


    The taxi driver seemed to love talking. Under Lynch''s questioning, he mentioned some recent incidents in Bupayne that were not known to outsiders, such as those nationwide victims of bond fraud.


    These victims would gather together, protesting and demonstrating outside the City Hall, stock exchange, and some financialpanies, making quite a scene.


    While talking, the car stopped outside the magnificent Bupayne Grand Hotel. The doorman immediately opened the car door and the trunk to retrieve the luggage.


    After paying the fare and a small tip, Lynch bid farewell to the taxi driver and entered the hotel. Watching the backs of Lynch and Vera, the taxi driver couldn''t help but admire their demeanor.


    Some passengers would start picking faults after getting in the car, trying to reduce the fare. They would brag and show no respect for the driver, let alone tip. The driver had seen many such people.


    But those who proactively gave tips and smiled while saying "Good night" were rare. Maybe these two were important figures. Only big shots would have such grace, which might be a topic for him to brag about with his colleagues.


    The next morning, with the hotel''s wake-up service, Lynch got up on time. To his surprise, Vera was already up and waiting for him in the lobby.


    After meeting, they enjoyed a Bupayne-style breakfast in the restaurant. Lynch then discussed his main purpose foring to Bupayne.


    When Vera heard that he nned to buy bonds, she couldn''t help but exim, "Are you crazy? Those things are just waste paper now. What are you thinking?"


    Lynch chuckled, "That''s why it''s a good time. I can buy these things at the price of waste paper and wait for them to be valuable again."


    Vera was stunned, "How much are you nning to spend on those bonds?"


    Lynch smiled even more, "How much? No, dear, you misunderstood my use of the word ¡®buy''. I n to pay by the pound."


    "Aren''t you saying it''s almost waste paper?" Lynch swallowed a cheese ball and pped his hands, "Then let''s give it a price that matches its status."


    Vera couldn''t keep up with Lynch''s thinking and pace. She felt this n was unlikely to seed, and the reason was simple.


    Even if those bonds were worthless, they still had a "face value." Who knew if they might be redeemable someday; people wouldn''t just discard them as waste paper even with a one in ten thousand chance.


    This was the mainstream thought: since the bonds were already worthless, why not keep them?


    If it were an isted incident, Lynch wouldn''t be doing this. He would buy back the bonds at a very low price based on their face value.


    But the situation was different now. The disaster had just begun. People hadn''t realized that the two market crashes this month were not the end; they weren''t even the beginning.


    Shifting the topic, Lynch wiped his hands and stood up, "anyway, let''s first assess the situation. Perhaps things won''t be as smooth as I imagine."


    On Monday, before the three major exchanges opened, arge crowd had already gathered outside. Last Friday''s crash had wiped the smiles off their faces. They stood silently outside the exchange, whispering.


    The discussion was mainly about whether to keep watching or to cut losses.


    Everyone had suffered heavily in this market crash. Whether they were ordinary people or wealthy individuals, the losses were severe.


    Ordinary people might have lost their savings and perhaps taken out loans, while the wealthy saw their worth, calcted in percentages, evaporate.


    Everyone harbored a dark fear. Some were even trembling slightly. Human insignificance and helplessness were vividly disyed at this moment. Faced with such a clearly man-made disaster, they were powerless.


    At nine o''clock, the exchanges opened. The traders entered first, followed by all the investors, their eyes fixed on the announcement board.


    At 9:20, the board began to turn, and pre-market trading started. Everyone''s expressions began to change drastically.


    Pre-market trading, transactions outside of regr trading hours, would determine the opening price of a stock andrgely indicate its trend for the day.


    At 9:29, the rolling announcement board made the trading hall resemble a mourning venue. In the final ten seconds, a stock was delisted, exacerbating the pessimistic atmosphere.


    At exactly 9:30, nearly all traders frantically sold all the stocks in theirpany ounts. Stocks that were ten bucks a share recently couldn''t find buyers even at nine bucks, then eight bucks, seven bucks¡­


    As long as there were buyers, even low prices were considered. Within less than fifteen minutes, the Federal Industrial Index and the three major indices saw almost cliff-like declines.


    The shock caused by the financial market was far greater than the decline in the real economy. By ten o''clock, everyone in the federation knew through various channels what was happening in Bupayne.


    Disaster had struck.


    Countless shredded paper scraps were everywhere. These stocks had be worthless, even less than waste paper. Angry traders and investors had lost all reason.


    The bottomless trend deepened people''s panic. No one knew when it would hit bottom. Panic selling was in full swing.


    At 10:10, the President''s Cab issued an emergency presidential order, demanding the three major exchanges stop trading immediately to curb irrational panic selling.


    The Presidential Cab''s press secretary held an emergency press conference, listing countermeasures, including the federal government using part of its reserve funds to support the market and avoid arger disaster.


    Perhaps because the President and the Cab''s decisions gave investors some confidence, there were no significant declines when trading resumed in the afternoon. After a brief stabilization, the Federal Industrial Index and the three major indices even saw a short-lived rise.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 188:

    "Ivan has recently started dating a new girl. I''ve met her, and she''s different from the previous ones. She''s like a ''bookworm.'' This time, I won''t object."


    An investor standing by the phone was speaking casually with his wife. "We should focus on our little sweetheart and ensure she doesn''t turn into someone we wouldn''t like..."


    He continued talking about ordinary family matters in a gentle tone. His wife couldn''t understand why her usually impatient husband, who was often annoyed with her and their two children, suddenly started caring about their lives and the family. But she felt it was a good thing.


    Even God says that if someone realizes their past mistakes and starts correcting them, they are a good person. Being a bad person even for a minute is too long, but it''s never too early to start being good.


    After her husband finished, she told him she had prepared a sumptuous dinner with steak, chicken fillets, and some fruit, waiting for him.


    The investor listened intently without interrupting. After exchanging farewells and hanging up the phone, he lit a cigarette and made his way towards the rooftop.


    After a long walk through stairs and corridors, he emerged from the dark corridor into the bright rooftop of the EaseLink Exchange Building. The expansive view gave him a sense of euphoria.


    For a moment, he didn''t want to die.


    Yes, he hade to jump.But he quickly convinced himself otherwise. Lighting another cigarette, he walked towards the edge of the roof, muttering, "There''s no turning back."


    That simple statement extinguished any hope of continuing to live. As a financial investor, like many others, he was bold and loved taking risks.


    Making money with his own money rarely exceeded the initial investment in a day; that was a threshold, a limit. But leveraging with borrowed money allowed him to make more in minutes than his entire capital.


    Moreover, he was dealing with futures contracts, ying big. This was the wildest dream of all financial investors. Many people kept such thoughts buried, never acting on them, because they knew the risks. They couldn''t predict if the oue would be constructive or destructive.


    But with six consecutive years of rising markets, every stock seemed to be going up, albeit some more than others. Apart from a few unlucky ones who bought declining or stagnant stocks, nearly everyone was making money.


    When his friends used leverage to secure better returns, when all his friends leveraged to stand higher, he was tempted.


    From ten times, to fifty times, to one hundred times, and now two hundred times in futures contracts, the growing momentum of the snowball effect was unstoppable and irreversible.


    The market crash half a month ago had wiped out his efforts over the years. This time, it directly sentenced him to death.


    He walked to the edge of the rooftop and sat down. Looking down, waves of dizziness made him feel nauseous, and there was also a fear of death creeping in.


    He briefly reconsidered solving his problems without dying, but within a second, he told himself it was impossible.


    Millions in debt were enough to crush him, his family, and his children for this lifetime and possibly for generations, as their creditors were banks.


    The only way out was suicide, which could solve these problems.


    The funds he borrowed from the bank were for financial investment, purely for his personal investments. His family didn''t benefit from this money, so they wouldn''t need to bear the consequences.


    Hiswyer would help them escape these issues. To ensure his wife and children knew what to do, he wrote a will, wrapped it in waterproof gloves, and ced it in his jacket pocket.


    Now, with a cigarette in his mouth, he looked up at the sky. The blue sky seemed to have a magical power to purify the soul.


    He lightly leaped forward, turning in mid-air. His eyes filled with longing as he gazed at the sky, feeling as if he would melt into the blue expanse.


    Ten secondster, a loud thud signaled the end of a life from this filthy, sinful world, shattering the fragile defenses of many people''s hearts.


    The three major exchanges and investors simultaneously learned of the event. The panic selling that had briefly halted due to the President''s speech resumed, this time with evident intentional maniption.


    It was important to note that futures contracts could be used for both long and short positions.


    Some institutions, openly or covertly, began shorting. Some investors quickly closed positions and switched sides, turning the disaster into a brutal plunder.


    Under the pressure of multiple forces, the defenses crumbled.


    Half an hourter, the Presidential Pce issued another official order to halt trading, and the three major exchangesplied, stopping public trading.


    However, this couldn''t stop after-hours trading. Even without visible price fluctuations on the boards, people were frantically selling, trading, and matching orders.


    The entire street outside the exchanges went mad.


    The next day, Tuesday, thest day of October, saw all stocks drop by at least thirty percent at the opening. Over twenty stocks were delisted for falling below the minimum holding price, marking the real start of the stock market crash.


    In a second-floor caf¨¦ on the financial street, Lynch and Vera were briefly distracted by a corpse on the sidewalk across the street.


    Vera quickly looked away, feeling ufortable. This was the fourth jump they had witnessed. The entire street had gone crazy.


    They were the only customers in the caf¨¦, making it feel like a private venue.


    "I''m feeling unwell. I need some time..." Vera looked at the coffee and pastries in front of her, but her mind was on their investments with Gap.


    They had invested heavily in stocks, putting their savings into the market. The sight outside made her feel choked with anxiety.


    Gap had always handled their investments, and as the financial auditor of a publicpany, he had ess to insider information.


    He always told Vera how much money they had made, but he never mentioned whether they had leveraged anything. Vera felt she needed to rify this. She excused herself, iming she wasn''t feeling well, when in fact she wanted to make a phone call.


    Lynch nodded slightly, watching as Vera swiftly left, clutching her handbag. She moved so quickly that her shoes almost couldn''t keep up, and it appeared her ankle was injured. Despite this, she didn''t stop, determinedly pushing on until she disappeared from Lynch''s sight.


    Lynch sipped his coffee, observing the desperate people outside. Suddenly, something shed past his eyes, followed by a loud thud. Under immense pressure, some blood even sprayed onto the ss of the second floor.


    Thick blood slowly trickled down the ss. Lynch leaned over to see the sidewalk, spotting another twitching body.


    His mood didn''t change much. He understood that all those who jumped were essentially gamblers.


    They had used bank loans,pany funds, or leveraged hundreds of times of their capitals for investments.


    Faced with the stock market crash, there was even no chance to force close positions.


    They were gambling, betting on hundreds of times returns, and if they lost, it was just their life.


    Before today, people might not have cared about ten or five bucks, but after today, even one buck would seem valuable.


    Lynch needed a local to help him, and he immediately thought of Joegleman; he definitely had some friends in Bupayne.


    Of course, Director Johnson could help too. Given the financial tsunami affecting everyone, it was clear he wouldn''t be able to support two families simultaneously without assistance from Lynch.


    Mutual help is the essence of friendship. There was no reason for Lynch to help him without reciprocation.


    As he pondered, Vera returned from the restroom, looking more rxed. Despite a slight wince with each step, she seemed better than before.


    Gap had reassured her that their investments had no loans or leverage. Their savings were enough to support their investments, bringing Vera some relief.


    Although the losses were significant, at least they wouldn''t be burdened with lifelong debt.


    They sat for a while, witnessing the street''s brutal spectacle. Vera quickly adapted, bing numb.


    Because there were so many, during the approximately half-hour they sat together, they witnessed at least seven incidents of people jumping from buildings. The entire city was surrounded by sirens, and people were jumping from buildings everywhere.


    "It''s so tragic." Vera sighed emotionally.


    Lynch nodded. "This is a man-made disaster..." Vera looked curious, but Lynch didn''t borate. He shifted the conversation, noticing Vera''s swollen ankle. "Compared to this, we have other matters that might be more important."Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 189:

    Chapter 189:


    The shyness of women at different stages of life could give people different impressions.


    When they were still little girls, their shyness could be amusing, and their giggles would often provoke yful opposition.


    As teenagers, the blush on their faces could make boys'' hearts skip a beat, swiftly transforming into a sweet trickle flowing into their hearts.


    Once they reached adulthood, their shyness would be something else entirely, exuding a unique aura and sophistication.


    Facing Lynch''s gaze, Vera felt her cheeks flush. Before she could figure out how to defuse what she considered an awkward situation, Lynch''s hand had already grasped her ankle, startling her slightly.


    She even blurted out, "Even my husband has never held my ankle like this!" and immediately wished she hadn''t said it.


    She had intended to exin it but thought better of it; exnations would often only make things moreplicated.


    Lynch made no inappropriate moves. He simply observed Vera''s ankle, gently pressing the swollen area where the local temperature was noticeably high and blood was rapidly pooling.


    He had some ice brought over by a waiter, wrapped it in a napkin, and applied it to her ankle.The initial contact of the ice with her skin might have felt ufortable, but soon the constricted capiries eased the throbbing pain, bringing Vera relief.


    Looking at Lynch sitting beside her, Vera sensed a terrifying sensation creeping within her. She quickly quelled the thought and found a topic to focus on, "It looks like I won''t be able to go anywhere else with you for the next few days."


    Many people would experience spraining their ankles, especially women.


    When they wore high heels for the first time, they would inevitably twist their ankle a few times. After each twist, they would spend anywhere from two or three days to a week in bed.


    If they needed to move, a walking aid, such as a crutch, would be useful.


    Lynchforted her with a smile. Their work would continue at the Bupayne Grand Hotel for now.


    The situation in Bupayne was bing a bit chaotic. Lynch had noticed a column of smoke to the west earlier, though it had since dissipated, indicating the streets were bing dangerous.


    Living in an affluent area didn''t necessarily mean everyone was wealthy. Bupayne had its share of poor people, and they could be more desperate than their counterparts elsewhere.


    Poor people in developed cities faced heavier life pressures. While governments and societies usually provided some relief to help them barely get by, when these aids failed, the stark wealth gap would fuel ss hatred, sometimes pushing them over the edge.


    Therefore, appearing on the streets without caution was not wise. The Bupayne Grand Hotel had reliable security, and the six major banks had branches here, handling foreign currency exchanges and everyday banking needs.


    Upon hearing Lynch''s exnation, Vera breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried her condition might affect Lynch''s work.


    Later, Lynch half-carried Vera into a car, supporting her as they headed straight back to the hotel.


    After settling Vera in, Lynch called Joegleman. Joegleman was delighted to hear from Lynch, "I thought you''d forgotten about your old friend."


    "Friends don''t disappear with the passage of time; those who disappear were never friends in the first ce," Lynch replied, mindful of Joegleman''s current situation.


    Joegleman''s coboration with Lynch had swiftly earned him performance bonuses and a nomination for local bank manager. This had left many feeling resentful.


    The internal dynamics of a bank were like a small society. Joegleman had made some achievements, but jealousy and discontent brewed among colleagues and headquarters staff. There were even reports alleging him of misconduct.


    Faced with this situation, GoldenExchange Bank''s headquarters couldn''t ignore it. They officially sent an investigation team to look into these matters and then restricted his signing authority. Although his position remained unchanged, his power was essentially stripped away.


    Documents had to be reviewed by a new assistant before reaching Joegleman, effectively stalling processes. Joegleman''s standing plummeted overnight; colleagues who used to greet him casually and even businessmen and capitalists suddenly disappeared.


    He felt distraught. Thus, Lynch''s call brought him some joy¡ªit affirmed his worth.


    "You must need my help with something. Go ahead, speak up, while I haven''tpletely be a benchwarmer yet..." Joegleman used to find such requests annoying, but now, he craved them.


    In just a month, too many things had changed.


    Lynch chuckled. He also understood the situation Joegleman was in at the moment, "I need someone well-connected and reliable in finance."


    Reliability was key. Joegleman knew it well. After pondering for a moment, he gave Lynch a phone number and a name, "he was my university ssmate, and we were in the same fraternity. We''ve always had a good rtionship. He can definitely help you."


    In the Baylor Federation, being university and fraternity brothers forged a bond closer than that of blood brothers.


    It may seem unbelievable to some, but this was the social culture of the Baylor Federation¡ªhow it had been in the past and would continue to be in the future.


    After hanging up, Joegleman called his friend, briefing him on the situation. Later, Lynch met this somewhat difficult-to-approach gentleman.


    He had a prominent nose and deep-set eyes, making him seem aloof and challenging to connect with initially.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, when Lynch mentioned there would be amission after the matter was settled, the seemingly unapproachable man''s face lit up with a smile. The appearance of this expression softened his features and made him seem more approachable.


    In these unprecedented dark times, nothing moved hearts more than money.


    After Lynch exined his requirements, the man called Mr. Manson expressed that there were no issues at all. "I''ve been facilitating deals between investors and banks for a while now and have good rtionships with several organisations. Your requirements shouldn''t be difficult for me to fulfill. However, I do have a small question: how many bonds are you looking to acquire and in what manner?"


    Manson''s attitude prompted Lynch to grasp a key point: he wasn''t surprised by Lynch''s actions, indicating he might have already dealt with simr requests before.


    "Are there others besides me acquiring bonds?" Lynch asked, though he phrased it as a statement.


    Manson nodded affirmatively, "There have always been people acquiring them."


    Lynch didn''t foolishly ask what these people were acquiring bonds for. They were either thinking the same way as him or had some other creative idea.


    His advantagey in his firm grasp of global trends, akin to how people in this world still believed that airnes would never be the mainstream mode of transport because those nes could only carry a few people short distances.


    But Lynch knew that in the future, airnes would undoubtedly be the most crucial mainstream mode of transport. They would not only carry hundreds of people but also fly long distances in one go.


    Humans might even go for a spin around a satellite, though people in this world neither knew nor believed it could happen.


    There were also some individuals who were naturally endowed with a vision far ahead of their time. These people were often ssified as a small group of "achievers" who could foresee the future and were willing to take risks, which was quite normal.


    However, this also meant that Lynch''s n to acquire bonds using the price of waste paper was scrapped. "How do they acquire them?"


    Manson stroked his chin. "At two and a half to three percent of face value."


    Bonds with a face value of 100 were being repurchased at prices ranging from 2.50 to 3. From this, it was evident that those involved in bond repurchase were not minor yers; it would take investments of at least several hundred to several thousand, which were not funds that small yers could easilye up with. After all, it was cash transactions.


    Lynch nodded. "The price seems reasonable. I''ll need approximately..." He paused to calcte. "About one million bonds with a face value of 100 each."


    He specified the issuing country of the bonds, a conclusion he had reached after thorough research and analysis.


    Manson considered for a moment, then nodded. "If specific bonds are requested, there might be a premium, but it won''t exceed 5% in the end."


    People willing to take risks, like Lynch, would meticulously analyze to find the optimal possibility beforemitting to it.


    Lynch had no objections to this. After a brief discussion of transaction details, Manson began working diligently on Lynch''s behalf.


    Manson''s actions were not easily concealed, and soon people knew that another participant had joined this increasingly frenzied gambling venture, greatly boosting the confidence of all gamblers involved.


    The reasoning was simple: the more people entering the game, the greater the likelihood of its sess. Meanwhile, Lynch''s personal information began circting among some individuals who needed to understand the background of this new participant.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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 Chapter 190:

    Chapter 190:


    "This is Mr. Lynch..."


    Manson entered the room with a man carrying a briefcase. The grand setting of the Bupayne Grand Hotel suite lent an air of respect to everyone who entered.


    Perhaps it was because Lynch could still produce cash, or maybe it was due to the hotel itself, the man who arrived was dressed in a very high-end suit, although it seemed it had not been meticulously cared for in some time.


    High-quality clothes required careful maintenance, sometimes even requiring specialized hand treatment. These clothes were not more resilient than infants; they needed proper storage conditions, including appropriate temperature and humidity.


    The man sat down cautiously, wearing a somewhat ingratiating smile, afraid of displeasing Lynch. He then ced his briefcase on the coffee table between them and opened it.


    Inside were neatly arranged war bonds. When the briefcase opened, it even emitted a "fragrance" simr to that of banknotes¡ªa scent from the special dyes used.


    Manson, standing to the side, introduced, "A total of 1.2 million in bonds, at 3.7% of face value..."


    These bonds ranged from thergest denominations of one hundred bucks to the smallest of five bucks. Therger denominations were primarily for businesses, while the smaller ones were for the general public.


    But regardless of whether they were for businesses or individuals, they ultimately lost their original value.Lynch casually picked up a stack. This wasn''t his first time handling this kind of bond, but he enjoyed the unique feeling they gave him.


    In his previous world, money had be just a number, much like in the science fiction here. People no longer needed to carry physical cash, as transactions were managed by sophisticated technological systems that seamlessly updated ount bnces. In thetter part of Lynch''s life in that world, he hadn''t touched cash and had even forgotten what it felt like to hold money.


    At this moment, the stack of bonds in his hand gave him a sense of satisfaction, security, and fulfillment he hadn''t experienced before.


    The thick texture and the embossed printing made them feel very simr to real money. The manufacturing process for bonds and currency was essentially the same, with simr anti-counterfeiting methods.


    These bonds were about twenty centimeters long and fifteen centimeters wide, looking as exquisite as works of art.


    After flipping through a few pages, he casually threw them back and looked at Vera beside him.


    Vera quickly calcted the amount Lynch needed to pay and wrote it on his transfer check. After Lynch signed it, she ced it on the table and pushed it over to him.


    The person across the table had a strange expression after seeing the check, a look of relief, perhaps. After all, since the value of these bonds was plummeting, everyone was worried they would turn into worthless paper.


    But there was also some difort. He had spent a lot of money buying these bonds, and if he weren''t in such dire financial straits, he wouldn''t have sold them. Deep down, he still believed there was a chance these bonds might recover.


    There wasn''t much conversation between them. After a handshake with Lynch, Manson escorted the man out.


    Lynch, meanwhile, set the bonds aside and asked, "How much money do we have left?"


    Vera checked her notebook and gave a precise answer, "One million seven hundred eighty-four thousand five hundred twenty-five bucks."


    Lynch sat back on the sofa,ining, "It''s slower than I expected. I thought it would be faster."


    Vera didn''t respond. She wasn''t sure how to. Sometimes, Lynch''s words weren''t meant for others but for himself, something Vera had only recently discovered.


    Only by spending time together could one discover things that usually went unnoticed. She found this intriguing, as it was rare for someone to interject a conversation with a remark meant only for themselves, which would make it difficult to continue the discussion.


    Initially, she didn''t know if or how she should respond, but over the past few days, she had figured it out.


    Momentster, Manson returned after sending off his client, ready to collect his fee.


    No one in this world would do things for others without reason. Every action had some driving force, some more apparent than others.


    Manson''s motivation to help Lynch wasn''t about Joegleman; it was about the money in Lynch''s pocket.


    ording to their agreement, Manson would receive 2% of the cash transaction amount as his brokerage fee. For this transaction, the amount was forty-four thousand four hundred bucks, so he would earn eight hundred eighty-eight bucks.


    Flicking the freshly issued check, Manson felt very satisfied with Lynch''s straightforwardness. Unlike some other employers who might try to deduct a little, such as rounding down the amount, Lynch wouldn''t even round off a single buck or a few cents. He was a meticulous person, which made Manson feel very reassured.


    Lynch pointed to the sofa opposite him, and Manson sat down after putting away the check. "Our acquisition pace is too slow right now," he said. "I think it''s time to elerate this process. I can''t stay here for too long."


    Manson frowned slightly, "There are rtively few people holdingrge amounts of bonds, and some people are unwilling to sell at our prices."


    Such people, the major holders, wouldn''t sell unless they had an urgent need for cash.


    Lynch nodded nomittally, proposing another approach, "Maybe we can acquire these bonds from ordinary bondholders."


    Manson''s brows furrowed slightly. Acquiring bonds from retail holders was indeed effective since they were the main forcepared to the few major holders in the market.


    "But dealing with scattered bonds will bring us a lot of trouble. We might not have time to rest all day."


    Lynch smiled at Manson, "3.8%. I don''t care how much you buy them for, I''ll buy them back from you at 3.8%. Deal?"


    Initially, Manson had told Lynch that specifying a price for war bonds might exceed his initial estimate. But no one had expected that the situation would turn out much better, or worse, than they had initially thought.


    Some international news outlets had begun reporting the Baylor Federation''s financial disaster. The Federal Industrial Index had halved in just four days and was still falling with no bottom in sight.


    All stocks were plummeting, and the entire federal financial market had lost over a hundred billion bucks. Last year, the Baylor Federation''s GDP was just one hundred eighty-seven billion bucks. This financial catastrophe could be described as wiping out most of the wealth created in the past year.


    This prompted some who were still hesitant to start selling their bonds, but the market was vtile.


    When the situation turned unfavorable, prices were sure to be suppressed, or even without deliberate suppression, those in urgent need of cash would start fluctuating prices.


    Besides the financial market issues, some newspapers began deeper reporting on the unprecedented financial tsunami, directly ming the current ruling party and the presidential cab.


    They even criticized that this financial disaster had already been predicted back in July, but the diplomatic ipetence of the President''s cab left peoplepletely helpless as they watched it unfold.


    There was even talk that the Baylor Federation might be affected in the nextrge-scale war and could no longer maintain a neutral stance.


    With political turmoil, a financial tsunami, and struggles in the internationalmunity, federal bondholders saw their bonds bing increasingly worthless.


    Manson thought for a moment. If he acquired the bond himself, he could lower the price even further. This idea excited him. After all, money, or rather wealth, was the primary motivation for people''s work and life.


    "I can try, but I can''t guarantee it''ll be quick..."


    After shaking hands, Manson didn''t leave immediately but brought up another matter, "Lynch, you know I have many friends here. Some of my work can''t escape everyone''s notice."


    After Lynch nodded, Manson continued, "Some people noticed I''ve been working for you recently. They proposed a gathering of all buyers, partly to avoid potential conflicts and also to prepare for some things."


    Manson had a rough idea of Lynch''s intentions, as did most others buying bonds amid the downturn. Since everyone had the same goal, why not sit down and talk? There might be future cooperation opportunities.


    They didn''t know Lynch, and directly inviting him would seem too abrupt, so they entrusted Manson with the task.


    Lynch had no reason to refuse. As these people thought, why not join forces when their goals aligned?


    Managing such arge project required more than just casual effort; it needed many people working together.


    After Lynch agreed, Manson left to start preparing funds to buy bonds from retail holders. In fact, this task would be easier than he imagined.


    The reason was simple: those who could use hundreds of thousands in cash to buy millions in bonds could sell off some assets to keep themselves afloat for a while longer.Please vote for this novel at /series/ckstone-code/There are advance chapters avable nowess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link


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