Darkstone Code-Chapter 905 - 903: Train Captain Lynch

"... A company named Future Light just announced moments ago that it has helped Every Moment buy back 20% of its shares, quickly stabilizing Every Moment’s stock price."

"According to insider information, the composition of this company is not simple. Our station will continue to follow up on this report and bring you further updates at any time!"

The TV host then set down a card. This was a sudden news insert, and although it’s unclear why the station director agreed to air a seemingly less serious news piece at this time, well... who cares!

The host continued with the subsequent news broadcast, unaware of the immense waves this news created in Bupen and across the entire Federation, in places invisible to ordinary people.

If "hostile acquirers" are considered the evil side, then nature’s wonder has also created the justice side. These people help those companies caught in hostile takeovers by stabilizing and raising the stock prices.

The funds invested by both sides in this acquisition battle can be seen as the living forces of both parties. With the entry of new reinforcements, the consuming costs of the hostile acquirers increase.

Once they cannot achieve their goals, they will immediately abandon the takeover, declaring it a failure.

Not every hostile takeover results in the "bad guys" standing at the end. Some figures, like the Knight of Glory, help struggling companies achieve ultimate victory.

Just as two companies simultaneously announced acquiring Every Moment, and when everyone thought Every Moment would inevitably change hands, that knight stepped forward.

With a move, billions in cash flow rolled in. As the defending party, a billion in funding was enough to make the attacking side pay two or even three billion as a price.

Such expenses are utterly worthless —

Something that originally cost a million now requires two or even three million due to bidding.

The item purchased with so much money does not necessarily mean it’s worth two million or three million; its actual price might only be a million.

The more excessive the loss, the more slim the returns after a successful acquisition. When acquirers realize the losses from the acquisition far exceed the gains, they announce the acquisition failure and face dual investigations by the Financial Supervisory Commission and the FBI.

This is to prevent some individuals from orchestrating financial fraud themselves, a frequent occurrence within the Federation.

Now, with the addition of new characters, Every Moment can endure longer, which also implies the potential failure of the acquisition.

Once the acquisition fails, the market returns to rationality, and its price gradually rises.

It’s ultimately not just a concept, a pure financial commodity; it’s a tangible industry. Pure capital maneuvering might crush it but won’t destroy it.

The president of Every Moment Company also saw the news, yet his face showed little joy, portraying a rather contemplative expression instead.

Lynch said if the purchaser of that 20% stock were to be revealed, Every Moment must give him an additional 5% share.

Otherwise, Every Moment is not allowed to disclose the "Knight’s" true identity and must maintain its mystique.

Is it worth the 5%?

If the media exposes Lynch as the "Knight," the positive impact on stock price would be undoubtedly immense. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

It’s because of his suppression that Every Moment’s stock is in its current state. If he turns around to support Every Moment, it would, in a sense, signal reconciliation.

But... 5%, that’s too excruciating!

At this moment, several viewers coincidentally watching TV saw the news, revealing various strange expressions.

If their ears weren’t mistaken, this company... seemed to be Lynch’s company.

Of course, their understanding was this clear due to their foresight in making a shrewd investment in this company while on a cruise.

Perhaps it’s only a fraction or even a milli-fraction of the shares, but an investment is an investment; the investment might be small, but the rate of return won’t be. It’s an investment worthy of their pride.

Some immediately realized that if someone divulged the shareholders’ composition of this company, it would undoubtedly be perceived as a "revenge" and "reconciliation."

Every Moment paid a heavy price, 20% of the shares, and then...

Suddenly, some regretted not having spent more money to buy more shares initially, at least 1% would have been better!

Owning 1% of Future Light Investment Company equates to owning 0.2% of Every Moment. Sure, the actual conversion is more complex; this is just a simple way people convert it.

Suppose Every Moment returns to its normal market value, exceeding a billion, let’s say a billion.

0.2% would be... two million!

There is no more successful investment return than this; they regretted it.

Some earned a little, while some might have lost a bit; not everyone could buy a milli-fraction to 1% of shares from Lynch with a million. Some have only a thousandth of a share.

Nonetheless, it’s a successful investment; Every Moment’s biggest difference from other companies lies in its cash return rate.

In Bupen, many people have likened it to a "cash cow," to describe its massive profits and dividends.

Importing low-cost tobacco from Mariluo, then flipping it for high prices; gross profit can reach over 2000%.

Annual net profits in the tens of millions are sufficient for every shareholder to receive substantial returns.

An inconspicuous shell company they used to avoid legal responsibilities saw its market value skyrocket to 250 million in an instant?

This...

It seems...

Lynch also saw the news, taking a call from an elderly wealthy gentleman.

He remembered this somewhat older wealthy gentleman, rich in life experiences and displaying remarkable gentlemanly demeanor and composure in the face of danger.

At least from Lynch’s perspective, he couldn’t find fault in his behavior. He cared not for the million but only whether he and his wife could disembark safely.

Of course, his way of expressing was also quite memorable; He invited Lynch, upon disembarkation, to visit their estate, where his wife would personally cook for him some delicious delicacies!

See, isn’t it special? Lynch guaranteed he would definitely visit their estate, and the old couple smiled warmly as they handed Lynch the check.

A couple that perfectly fits people’s concept of "wealthy couples."

"Mr. Lynch, I saw the news. My hearing hasn’t been great lately, and I’m not sure if I heard it correctly. I’m having someone bring back that card from the television station."

Besides his somewhat rambling voice through the receiver, the elderly woman could be heard rambling on the side, seemingly wanting him to be succinct to avoid annoying the young man with his long-windedness.

"Of course you didn’t hear wrong; it’s our company."

Lynch used the keyword "our company," causing the elderly man on the other end to laugh heartily.

"In my darkest times, you’ve brought me good fortune. I’m also in Bupen now. When will you come over? I’ll have... ready those tasty dishes for you."

The "..." indicated his wife. The elderly lady was still grumbling beside him, insisting nobody these days enjoys keeping company with seniors, especially young people; he shouldn’t have said so.

Their purpose for boarding the ship was to find some excitement as there was nothing else to do at their age.

People are like this; as they age, they’re snubbed by young folks.

Younger individuals criticize them for reacting too slowly, for not conveying ideas clearly, for having too conservative thoughts... forgetting, they too, will age one day.

As they refuse company with seniors, the elderly folks seek entertainment themselves.

In some regards, Lynch was also a kind of "senior" and understood this feeling, so he readily agreed.

"No problem, you can give me the address. If nothing unexpected comes up, perhaps we’ll meet tonight."

On the other end of the phone came the cheerful voice of the old man, "See, I’m not annoying at all; Mr. Lynch agreed to come."

"Oh, my gosh, I need to prepare the ingredients right away..."

The old man chuckled for a while, "There must be many people who wish to talk with you now, just like me. I won’t take up your time any longer. See you tonight."

After bidding farewell to the old gentleman, the phone rang immediately after it was put down.

"Mr. Lynch, I am... I just saw the news and wasn’t sure whom to ask. Maybe you can clarify some questions for me?"

"Mr. Lynch!"

"Hey, if you still remember..."

Calls continuously came in to inquire about this matter. Many people found the contract to review its contents. Apart from a few unlucky ones who lost their contracts, most discovered some key clauses in the contract.

For instance, shareholders’ shares can be freely increased or decreased; they could acquire shares from other shareholders or sell them to others.

However, there was a restriction: all trades are "internal demand and supply," prohibiting external trading behaviors.

In simpler terms, shareholders could only trade with shareholders. Transactions with non-shareholders automatically forfeited their voting rights over the stocks.

Shares and shareholders without voting rights, are they still shareholders?

Apart from this minor issue, a deeper issue arose: meticulously guarded Every Moment was suddenly breached by Future Light.

It’s about to welcome dozens of shareholders. If handled correctly, they could even gobble up more shares, ultimately replacing the current president as Every Moment’s major shareholder!

How many shares they hold isn’t crucial. The key is that they’ve already secured a ticket!