Blackstone Code-Chapter 429: Flattering Words
The entire auditorium was silent except for Lynch’s voice echoing through the room.
“Before me, our teacher representative and graduating student representative have spoken. They shared their experiences, accumulated knowledge, and life lessons with us.”
“I thank those teachers and seniors for their guidance. Now, I want to say something different—about youth.”
“You’ve all seen it—I have no speech!” He waved his hands and swept them across the podium’s surface. No papers fluttered down, proving he was telling the truth.
Leaning on the edges of the podium, head slightly tilted, he said, “Honestly, until the second I stood up from my seat over there, I didn’t even know what I was going to say…” He pointed vaguely toward his seat without looking.
“But as I stood here, looking at our host…” He smiled at the nearly tearful host standing to the side. “I’ve already said her name three times. Am I bullying her?”
Some light laughter filled the room, and the atmosphere shifted from serious to lively. He waved his hand, “Alright, I’m not bullying her, but I have to mention her because she reminded me to bring my speech.”
“Classmates, since when did we start to accept this kind of…,” he frowned, tapping his forehead, “…norm, and become bound by it?”
“Elders always tell us, You should do this, child, You should do that, child…” He exaggerated the word child, making it sound odd and almost comical.
“We’re constantly told by others’ life experiences, social wisdom, and hardships about what we should do, so much that someone even has to remind me I need a speech.”
“If we always follow these things, what about our own lives?”
“Will we become lives shaped by others’ advice and rules—lives we don’t truly want?”
“Maybe such a life isn’t wrong, classmates, because it’s a path others have carefully forged with their years. But please ask yourselves—is this the life we want?”
His voice sharpened, tearing through the silence. “A life constrained by rules made by others is not the life we want. Maybe one day we’ll think it’s alright, but not now.”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about today—youth!”
“Youth is not just the age we are at, but the attitude we take toward life!”
“To try, to take risks, to get hurt, to soar, to be wild, and to face the unknown path ahead fiercely—clench your fists and break every obstacle blocking the way to happiness. Push forward on the road of life!”
“That’s the attitude we young people should have. That’s the spirit of youth!”
He clenched his fist with force, delivering his words in a rapid, breath-catching flow that felt both overwhelming and exhilarating.
His voice softened slightly. “Maybe… we’ll get hurt. Maybe the pain we endure is the same pain our elders warned us about, the pain we could have avoided.”
“But that doesn’t matter, classmates. Don’t fear the pain. Because when we experience the sting ourselves, we remember it and take pride in overcoming it.”
“That is the life we want. That is our own life!”
“Free youth should never be controlled by others…”
Compared to the stiff speeches before him, Lynch’s words carried something unique—rebellion, willfulness, even recklessness. He subtly criticized the earlier speakers, turning their well-meaning warnings and advice into restrictive norms, which resonated deeply with the audience. ꞦаŊǑ𝐛Е𝘚
Most of those listening shared similar lives. Outwardly, they seemed privileged, but behind the scenes, their lives were pale and cold.
Since childhood, they had been treated more like trained dogs than humans.
Their parents punished them for not doing the right thing and rewarded them for obeying.
Their lives were like a series of programmed responses—what they could and couldn’t do was predetermined. They never questioned why. This was their first lesson in the world.
They were forbidden to explore. Though wealthier than peers outside the walls, they weren’t free.
Rules tied them up tightly like ropes, suffocating them. Even their schools and schedules were arranged for them.
They often heard, This is all for you, but rarely, I respect your choice.
A pitiful bunch—youth robbed of youth.
Yet this very group connected deeply with Lynch’s impromptu speech. They longed for freedom, for genuine, wild youth—the kind the kids outside the walls could waste recklessly on a quarter of their lives.
They might not be wealthy, but their spirits were free.
Back at his seat, people praised him. Even the teacher and senior representatives, whom he indirectly challenged, gave high praise.
Lynch mingled warmly, courteous to all, everything perfect.
The congressman’s speech was short—such a figure wouldn’t drone on. As he finished and put away his notes, the students applauded loudly.
The orientation was nearly over, with only minor tasks left.
Unexpectedly, the congressman came over and shook Lynch’s hand. “Mr. Lynch, didn’t expect to see you here. You’re…”
Lynch didn’t hide anything. “Just enrolled. A freshman.”
The congressman understood immediately; he was also a member of the alliance. “You made a wise choice—this is a good school.” He pulled out a business card and handed it to Lynch. “If you have time, contact me. We can talk.”
After shaking hands again, the congressman left hurriedly.
Watching his retreating figure, Lynch looked at the card—a House representative holding two committee seats, likely connected to business. It might come in handy.
He put the card away just as Anna approached, giving him some space.
“You told me your speech was about ideals, but now it’s about youth,” the girl teased sweetly, making his scalp tingle.
Lynch blinked. “I said every second you see me, I’m a new me. So what I say depends not on who I was before, but on who I am at this exact moment.”
“Sounds… complicated,” Anna said, rubbing her forehead. “I feel like you’re just brushing me off.”
“Brushing you off?”
“No way!”
He smiled, clearly brushing her off. Anna’s sudden change in attitude had been sharp—no, more like a complete 180—and he was cautious, wondering what she was up to.
But whatever her intentions, being prepared was never a bad idea.
“How do you think I did?” Lynch asked a simple question, though he didn’t really care much.
True, what he said moments ago wasn’t what he originally planned, but given the situation, those words seemed more fitting.
His speech was stirring at first but wouldn’t last long. If anyone there had truly rebelled and succeeded, they wouldn’t still be here.
Freedom—or recklessness—was an unreachable dream for most of them. When the dream ended, reality returned.
They didn’t dare face an uncertain life because everything they had was built on wealth.
Lose that, and they’d become nothing. Then forget happiness gained through freedom—they wouldn’t even have a roof over their heads.
So after the excitement fades, life goes on as usual. But that doesn’t mean Lynch’s words were useless. For those who already have freedom, his message was still inspiring.
Like young people who start working right after high school because they can’t afford college, or students at ordinary universities—freedom is definitely more valuable than rules. It’s the mainstream belief in the federation: freedom over life itself.
Those at society’s lower levels fight desperately for freedom, while Lynch and most here keep moving further down the path of rules.
Anna understood this well. Every word from Lynch’s mouth sent a surge of energy through her body. But when it was over and she thought it through… well.
“Very impressive!” she said, her praise insincere.
