Darkstone Code-Chapter 693 - 0690 Quiet Observation

People often only see how much money big companies make, without noticing that the same crisis can arrive, and sometimes big companies fall faster than small ones.

Profit and risk are proportional; the more you earn, the more risk you bear.

Just like this time, if the motor company can complete the contract with Soron, their profit will be at least one hundred million, and they will continue to generate revenues, such as maintenance services.

But the risks they bear are also significant, such as the nine hundred million in breach-of-contract penalties.

If Mr. Wardrick can save the consortium from paying this penalty and avoid all other repercussions, the possibility of him entering the chairmanship of the board becomes viable.

Under Lynch’s relentless questioning, he finally uttered the words, and suddenly felt a sense of clarity throughout his body!

"Yes, as long as you can persuade Soron to propose a settlement, I can join the board chairmanship," he repeated, as though speaking to Lynch and to himself.

The voice in the receiver relaxed significantly, "Effort has to have its reward; I’ll talk to Soron. You handle your side of things and let me know..."

If Mr. Wardrick becomes one of the chairmen of the Megan Consortium, it would be a significant boost for Lynch.

The Federation is not like other countries; its political system is relatively independent, but in the Federation, the invasion of politics by capital and capitalists has penetrated to the core, and no politician can escape the "help" of capitalists.

From a mayor to a member of parliament, and even the president, none can evade it.

As an executive president and chairman of the board of a mid-generation major consortium, Mr. Wardrick carries substantial weight and influence among politicians.

Politicians may not do something simply because "Mr. Wardrick asked," but surely they will pause when considering "Mr. Wardrick would not want me to do this."

After hanging up the phone, Lynch pondered for a moment and decided to call Governor Sedel; he planned a visit.

This was his second formal visit to Governor Sedel; the previous visit was hardly pleasant, as he felt Governor Sedel’s displeasure towards him, which he could understand, but only understand.

This time would surely be different from last.

Because their positions had changed.

In the evening, Lynch came alone to the Governor’s Mansion. With his current international status, whether or not to bring a female companion was no longer important, and this was precisely the privilege of those in high places, besides, he was unmarried.

"You don’t need to bring these gifts...", Governor Sedel actively came to welcome Lynch. He didn’t really want to do so, but couldn’t avoid it.

Lynch, whom he initially regarded as a "small figure," sparked a global structural change. He was not sure if these were necessarily caused by Lynch, but it was closely related to him.

He easily noticed the two bags Lynch held. When told they were gifts, he courteously expressed his gratitude with a full smile.

"A bottle of the finest red wine from the Federation, and a box of pure colors, hope you like them." Lynch briefly introduced them before handing them to Governor Sedel’s butler.

Governor Sedel casually pointed, "Open the wine later, I will taste it together with Mr. Lynch."

The butler bowed and retreated; not only would they taste the red wine, but the pure colors as well, though that would be after dining.

The two chatted while the Governor led Lynch into the room, taking him to the living room.

In the spacious living room, only the two were present, sitting in chairs beside a low table.

"You look well!" As soon as they sat down, Lynch complimented slightly. In such occasions, mutual compliments are a necessary social tactic; while they might seem redundant, verbal compliments actually denote one’s stance.

A person is unlikely to say nice things to an enemy; if complimenting only literally, their tone might carry mockery, or they may say nothing at all.

Lynch’s words indicated that he wasn’t there to cause trouble or to be confrontational, making the atmosphere between them instantly more amicable.

"I’ve had more rest lately, and security across Amelia has been maintained well, so I need not worry about bad news waking me from good sleep, all thanks to you."

Governor Sedel didn’t shy away from the matter; only after being slapped did he take Lynch seriously, and Lynch was considered an imperial noble, so his attitude seemed perfectly natural to him.

With a restrained smile, he said, perhaps unintentionally, "Jenia recently asked if I had your contact information. I didn’t tell her, but maybe you should give her a call sometime."

"I will!" Lynch answered, ending the simple small talk; then they began discussing real business, which Governor Sedel indeed needed to address with this "reform vanguard."

"His Majesty has high hopes for the Empire’s Special Zone, expecting different results from us. Honestly, I don’t quite understand these things. Mr. Lynch, what do you think the Governor’s Mansion should do?" Governor Sedel asked earnestly, with a proper attitude, as if genuinely seeking advice.

Lynch didn’t believe he knew nothing; since the Gafura Empire was willing to use Amelia as a testing ground, they must already have a comprehensive plan.

Now, Governor Sedel questioning his thoughts might simply be probing for gaps to fill.

These thoughts flashed quickly through Lynch’s mind, and he almost immediately began to answer; they discussed for quite a while, with the butler interrupting once to urge them, before concluding their conversation.

Dinner was abundant; despite the inconvenience in transport lately, societal material shortages only affect middle and lower classes.

Outside the Empire Zone, people go to bed hungry; within the Empire Zone, at the Governor’s Mansion, Governor Sedel and Lynch were enjoying the finest Kuerlik Special Level steak.

"A wonderful dinner..." Lynch set down his knife and fork after the meal, dabbing his lips with a napkin as post-dinner etiquette; he thanked not only the Governor’s hospitality but also the chef’s skills, "It’s a style I’ve never tried before, very delicious!"

"Glad you like it!"

The two followed the butler into Governor Sedel’s study, marking the further advancement of their relationship. Upon entering the room, Lynch noticed the pure colors he brought already placed on the desk.

Two of them had been opened, cut, and set on individual racks.

Beside them was a gold-and-silver-streaked lighter, its handle adorned with various gems; the casually placed cutter also exuded luxury and dignity.

"Please..." After inviting Lynch to sit, Governor Sedel gestured toward the pure color rack.

Lynch picked one up, and the butler promptly approached, indicating he would light it for Lynch, which Lynch didn’t refuse, so the butler lit Lynch’s pure color.

Soon, both were puffing clouds of smoke as Governor Sedel smiled, "I like taking a few puffs after dinner, it helps improve the taste in my mouth. You know, not everyone likes to rinse."

Post-meal rinsing is part of the nobles’ daily habits, but not every noble prefers it, leading some to drink floral tea, have mouth-cleansing snacks, smoke, or use pure colors as alternatives to rinsing.

He sighed lightly, "In fact, I’m under a lot of pressure now; domestically, there are opinions on establishing the Empire Special Zone. If it goes well, fine, but if not, those back home might not let me off easily."

"Mr. Lynch, I have one last question, hoping you can enlighten me."

Lynch nodded slightly, "I’ll do my best, Governor."

"If something unforeseen or beyond rules occurs here, where we can’t distinguish right from wrong, what should we do?" This was his final question today.

He had asked Lynch many questions; some aligned with Lynch’s views and others didn’t, but all had answers, whether or not they were standard ones; at least he had subjective perspectives.

The last question, however, he had no clue how to face, as Gafura people had never traversed this path.

Establishing a Special Zone, reducing nobles’ roles in capital markets, allowing autonomous societal and market development, this left Gafuras feeling insecure, as well as the Governor.

If unforeseen and ambiguous events transpired during this process, it wouldn’t be surprising; given the Governor’s sensitive position, he had no answer.

This wasn’t about lacking ideas; rather, it was the typical confusion regarding unknown futures.

After listening, Lynch pondered briefly and smiled, offering an answer.

"Governor, every reform is an era’s pain; we and society shouldn’t reject change because we feel pain. Instead, we should observe and sense it seriously."

"I believe those things you worry about will happen here too. My view remains the same; we just observe, without interfering."

"As long as it doesn’t bring catastrophic consequences, we can let it be."

"Without bleeding or pain, reform can never succeed!"