Blackstone Code-Chapter 407: What Do We Need

After swimming a lap in the rooftop pool on the fifth floor, Sloan suddenly burst out of the water. He pushed himself up on the pool edge and quickly climbed out.

Reporters nearby eagerly snapped photos without shame. Thankfully, the weather was good today; otherwise, they would have needed to prepare their flash.

Sloan’s physique was impressive. At fifty-one years old, if you ignored his face and thick body hair, it was hard to believe his age—he looked no older than thirty. Over the years, he had invested heavily in fitness and physical conditioning, which was the foundation for his continued success. He knew exactly what he relied on and never took shortcuts.

He sat down on a lounge chair, took a few sips of iced water, then glanced down at the small, healed wound on his knee. Frowning, he poked it with his finger before finally relaxing.

He then checked his watch, a slight frown forming. More than half an hour had passed, and no one had come up yet.

Just as he was about to ask his manager to check on what the young actress was planning, the girl appeared.

For older men, young women often stirred hidden desires. Her youthful presence made him momentarily forget he was fifty-one, making him feel young again.

He stood with a pleased smile, about to walk over and greet her with a natural, friendly hug. But his expression suddenly froze when a handsome young man appeared shortly after the girl stepped out.

Some people liked tanned skin—like Sloan. That kind of complexion made him look healthy and natural, as if earned through life rather than forced through exercise, fitting both his screen and real-life image.

Naturally, he had little interest in pale, clean-cut men, even feeling some disdain. To him, a real man should have a wheat-colored tan, just like himself.

What annoyed him more was that the leading lady acted so close to the young man, which irritated him.

Just as he was about to lose his temper, his expression twitched—he recognized the young man: Lynch.

Many at the lower social levels might not know Lynch, preferring lighthearted entertainment over serious political or current affairs shows. But anyone with a bit of social awareness or standing would be familiar with Lynch’s name.

From his works like Economic Warfare to Three Reasons Gephra Will Fail, plus his outspoken views, Lynch was well known.

Sloan knew Lynch too. His on-screen persona was a tough guy, so sometimes fans wrote letters or shouted at his residence asking for his opinion on political matters.

Whenever that happened, Sloan felt a special connection, as if he was part of shaping history.

Of course, he answered firmly and aggressively, sticking to the persona and company guidelines. His favorite line from his famous role was: This will be my last time bleeding; next time, it’ll be your turn!

How tough was that?

If possible, Sloan even wanted to befriend Lynch, to have more connections—but definitely not here.

After a moment’s hesitation, Sloan stood up with a warm smile and quickly approached. “Mr. Lynch, I didn’t expect to meet you here. I’m Sloan—perhaps you’ve heard of me.”

As a major star, Sloan was known by about ninety-five percent of the Federation’s population. Yet Lynch just shook his head. “Are you very famous?”

The atmosphere stalled. Sloan frowned slightly. “I guess I am?”

Lynch smiled and extended his hand. “Just kidding, Mr. Sloan. I’ve seen your movies—very impressive.”

Though it seemed like a joke, Sloan was a bit confused but smiled to go along. “Thank you, it’s an honor.”

Suddenly, Sloan sensed Lynch’s intentions might not be entirely friendly. He glanced quickly at the girl trailing Lynch, who was looking elsewhere. His heated feelings were doused like cold water.

He didn’t know philosophical terms like femme fatale, but he knew this woman was trouble—trouble to be avoided. He began to steer clear of any interaction with her, even avoiding eye contact.

He didn’t intend to take advantage of anyone—he was a top star after all. Gossip was just publicity, but misunderstandings were hard to clear.

On the surface, Sloan kept up his image but already felt regret and some injustice.

“Penny told me you’ll be the lead in this film. Sometimes she seems naïve. During the shoot, if possible, I hope you can look out for her,” Lynch said, glancing at the girl, who smiled back at him.

Sloan quickly recovered. “Of course, mentoring newcomers is the duty of all veteran actors. Don’t worry, Mr. Lynch.”

Lynch nodded slightly, pleased with Sloan’s response. He glanced at Sloan’s famously thick chest hair and remarked, “Before today, I’d heard some rumors about you. You’re not as hard to approach as I thought…”

Sloan didn’t notice the subtle shifts in the dynamic and energy between them. Physically, Sloan still appeared imposing—muscular and broad-shouldered, like an indestructible bear, wet hair clinging to his face, his hairy chest and limbs emphasizing his strength.

But if he had a mirror nearby, he’d see that in front of Lynch, he lowered his head, bent slightly, and his relaxed brow betrayed a hint of submissiveness.

Lynch, though seeming somewhat slight, stood straight and unwavering. Though not tall or bulky, he exuded a sharp, commanding presence.

“If there’s a chance, maybe we can work together,” Lynch offered, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Sloan. I have some matters to attend to, so I must leave early. I hope you enjoy your time in York State.”

Lynch started to leave, and Sloan froze again. Opportunities like this were rare, and he didn’t want to let it slip. The idea of potential collaboration made him even more reluctant to miss out.

If he missed this chance, where would he find Lynch next?

“Mr. Lynch, if you have time tonight, maybe we could sit down and talk?” Sloan invited eagerly. “I brought a chef with me who’s got some amazing skills—you might be interested!”

Lynch smiled politely. “No trouble, I’m having dinner with the governor tonight…”

After declining, they both headed back inside the hotel. Penny linked arms with Lynch, the young woman full of energy, her lively movements adding a pleasant atmosphere.

“How can I thank you?” she asked him, eyes filled with gratitude.

Today had been desperate for her. She didn’t run away seeking opportunity—just to escape, accepting hopelessness.

But just one person’s arrival changed everything. To her, a seemingly unstoppable force like the end of the world was powerless in Lynch’s presence. He didn’t need to negotiate or hint—he simply resolved everything.

As long as he stood there, by her side, it represented an unyielding attitude others couldn’t defy.

Growing up, only a figure like her father could have given her such a deep sense of security.

From Sloan’s evasive and annoyed gaze, it was clear he had lost interest in her. Not just Sloan—after today, few in the entertainment industry would care about her unless the media reported her breakup with Lynch. Otherwise, no fools would risk provoking the young leader Lynch to pursue her.

Lynch adjusted his sleeve. “Study well, act well, and strive to become a…”

Mm—

The girl bounced over and leapt into his arms, her breasts pressing firmly against him as she covered his mouth with a kiss. Good heavens, are girls really this uninhibited these days?

Later, when Lynch met with the governor, the governor gave him a strange look. “You…” He struggled to find the words because Lynch’s lip was split.

Lynch twitched at the corner of his eye and touched the cut on his lip. Damn, he’d been bitten.

The governor sighed knowingly and smiled. “Youth is truly wonderful. When I was young, it was the same—I was popular with the girls, and they even fought over who could be my girlfriend…”

The small talk ended there. The governor was skilled at easing awkwardness and narrowing the distance between them. He quickly shifted the topic. “Mr. Lynch, I’ve paid attention to some of your public speeches. The most striking is your call for the Federation to achieve victory. That has already been proven necessary.”

“I’m amazed by your terrifying insight at such a young age—it’s truly enviable.”

After a brief pause, he asked, “The Federation needs a victory to restart our development and future. But what about York State?”

“What changes does York State need to improve its current situation?”