Darkstone Code-Chapter 805 - 803: New Year
Throughout December, the President had public speeches approximately every three days. Although the Conservative Party’s candidate was also giving speeches everywhere, it was evident that the influence of the Conservative Party was significantly waning.
Their voices were barely heard, which was partly due to their own deliberate low profile.
This is the era of the Progressive Party, the era of the radicals, and no one can change it. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
Just like in previous years, it was the era of the Conservative Party, and the Progressive Party could only develop silently, waiting for the time of change to come.
The final defense will be completed in January, with results expected around mid-month, so Lynch was temporarily not suited to run around.
Sometimes he would attend the President’s speeches in conspicuous places to express his political stance and support for the President. These were very necessary and couldn’t be omitted.
On the last day of December, Lynch spent it with his family in Bupen.
Serra came from Sabin City with her fitness coach, Koman, to temporarily stay at Lynch’s house.
Nell also returned from Nagariel, bringing with him two young girls.
The once-married couple seemed to have completely let go of each other from the day of the divorce. Without passion, life was like a cup of bland cold water, and both chose what they thought was the best choice.
As they sat together on New Year’s Eve, there was no trace of animosity. Their behavior, in some respects, was no different from before.
There was an unavoidable familial bond amidst the estrangement, but beyond that, their hearts were already separated.
Koman met Nell, and after exchanging greetings, they sat together and talked about recent happenings.
In this regard, Nell performed a little better. At least he didn’t give Koman a hard time and didn’t mind talking with him.
However, Serra didn’t give the two girls Nell brought any opportunity for conversation. Even if there was a momentary exchange, it wouldn’t continue for long.
This is family, the family of a wealthy household.
This situation, which can be said to be troubling, does not exist only in Lynch’s home. Wealth, status, and power provide people with the courage and authority to pursue their happiness.
It sounds a bit unbelievable, even slightly cruel, because the pursuit of happiness isn’t something that can be accomplished merely by saying so—it has its conditions, at least you need money.
Most of the upper society faces this problem, maintaining a harmonious appearance in front of outsiders when their feelings have faded. Once out of people’s view, they become like two unrelated tenants in a house.
However... Nell and Koman were having a good chat.
"What are they talking about?" Serra couldn’t help but glance at the bar not far away as she sat on the edge of the sofa.
She felt that even if those two men weren’t fighting, the atmosphere wouldn’t be harmonious.
First, Koman was younger, physically stronger than Nell, and had a better figure. These factors sometimes could be considered one of the reasons their marriage ended.
Conversely, from Koman’s perspective, Nell was Serra’s first husband and had dominated their lives for many years, and surely a lot happened during that time.
Even if the two men wouldn’t fight like animals, they shouldn’t be so... amiably chatting together!
Oh Lord, look at her. She had no intention of engaging with those two young floozies and didn’t even want to pretend to, which was the most suitable approach for the current situation, rather than... exuberantly chatting together.
Lynch glanced at the television show and turned his attention back to Serra. "They’re talking about overseas investments."
Serra was initially startled, then somewhat dazed. Unknowingly, Nell had grown from an inconspicuous worker to a successful person who could discuss investments anytime, anywhere.
Life in a cramped room living an ordinary life seemed like only yesterday. She fell silent, saying nothing.
In fact, in this situation, Koman couldn’t show any opposition to Nell.
First, Nell is Lynch’s father, which is crucial. If Koman intends to marry Serra in the future, it is best for him to gain Lynch’s approval. Otherwise, he could never hope to marry Serra in this life.
Additionally, as a mature male, even if he harbors some grudge over Serra and Nell’s marriage, he wouldn’t show it.
This can be seen as a man’s poise, or a broad vision, but it can also be said he must do so.
Whether he could rely on Lynch to embark on a different life path in the future depends on his own performance.
A person with strong jealousy, unwillingness to accept temporary losses, and rashness has no such opportunity.
So whether adhering to reality or considering it reasonable, Koman’s demeanor was proper.
Someone deliberately accommodating to another, coupled with Nell having developed his own skills over the past two years, the two had a pleasant conversation.
As for any displeasure in Nell’s heart?
No, not really. Serra only chose one, while he chose two, and can choose more. He deemed this a mark of a successful man.
When the chefs served dinner, the family gathered around the dining table.
Catherine had celebratory activities, and the staff at the President’s Mansion couldn’t choose to go home and reunite with family at this time; many staff stayed in Bupen for the New Year.
As compensation, the President’s team held a New Year’s Eve event, requiring all out-of-town staff, including interns, to attend.
Social activities were very important for Catherine at this time; everyone she could greet represented future connections.
After Lynch’s prayer, the family started dining.
Actually, they weren’t Church followers, but now that they were wealthy, it didn’t hinder them from believing in something casually. At least currently, doing this felt very ceremonial.
At the dining table, everyone happily exchanged conversations, even Serra kept a smile. It wasn’t easy to gather everyone for a sumptuous dinner.
After dinner, the women went to watch TV while the men sat aside chatting.
"Mr. Lynch, some thoughts of despair..."
Koman cautiously initiated the topic for the upcoming conversation, while Lynch took out cigarettes and offered them to the two gentlemen.
He lit his cigarette with his "one million" lighter and gently tapped his fingers on the table, signaling Koman to continue speaking.
"It’s like this, people’s lives are recovering, emerging from a state of decay, and more and more people are exercising."
"In the future, as society and the economy develop, our lives will definitely get better, so I think there will be more people going to gyms."
"I... want to find something to do in this field and hope you can offer some advice."
Before coming, Koman had done his homework; he didn’t blindly pursue unfamiliar projects like operating a factory or finance.
By the Lord above, a fitness coach blabbering on about industry or finance would be utterly foolish.
He directly brought up the industry he was best at—fitness.
Currently, the gym business is much better than at the same time last year, and fitness coaches’ salaries have also improved. The entire industry seems to be thriving.
During breaks, these coaches often exchange news, and from this, Koman discovered some... information he wouldn’t have previously cared about but now had the opportunity to do so.
For instance, the development of the industry.
"Do you want to run a gym yourself?" Lynch addressed the core issue directly.
Koman nodded, "Yes, Mr. Lynch, this industry will keep improving..."
This year, more than twenty types of bodybuilding competitions of various levels were held throughout the Federation. People’s desire for muscles and a strong physique is becoming more intense.
This can also be seen as an affirmation of people’s yearning for strength and the radical route.
It’s not just talk but backed by social surveys and statistics.
The popularity of bodybuilding gives people the illusion of "I’m surrounded by muscle-bound beefcakes, so I feel safe because they’ll handle the enemies," which led more people into gyms.
Not everyone wishes to be protected by others; some want to show off their muscles and protect others.
Lynch pondered for a moment; this indeed was a good idea, at least for Koman himself.
"The idea is great; I’ll buy shares..." he said as he looked at Nell.
Nell was initially taken aback, then nodded, "It sounds indeed not bad. I can also consider investing some money, but not too much. I’m not Lynch!"
In the Federation, financial independence can be seen as a social phenomenon.
With Serra and Nell divorced, their finances were now independent.
Besides the living expenses provided by Lynch, they also had to take responsibility for their own future.
Lynch could keep them from worrying about food and clothing, but if they wanted to be enormously wealthy, they had to make an effort too.
This project could have a little investment. As long as it’s not too poorly managed, at least it wouldn’t lose money. Koman could solve Serra’s problems once he earned money, and Nell could gain experience as an "Investor" here.
With Lynch and Nell expressing their interest, Koman became excited, something he never dared to imagine before.
"Mr. Lynch, Nell, my idea is like this..." he said excitedly about his plan, "We’ll first find a suitably sized house in the Upper City. There will be suitable clientele nearby, and I can handle the coach problem. In just about two weeks, we can open our gym!"
Lynch flicked the cigarette ash, shaking his head, "If you only want to open one store, I don’t think I need to invest."
"If you’re going to open one, make it a chain brand!"
