Darkstone Code
Chapter 135 - 0134 Be a sociable person

Chapter 135: 0134 Be a sociable person

In the current environment of the Federation, the debate about whether future development will head in a positive or negative direction has always been contentious.

Beneath people’s optimism lies deep-seated fear, as well as despair and pessimism about the future.

Perhaps the unprecedented boom in the current financial market is the last bit of effort some people are putting in to prove that the ’future’ isn’t necessarily bad. They have been successful for many years, but in the end, they will still fail.

Whenever such a topic arises, and someone clearly expresses views contrary to mainstream opinion, people are invariably drawn to him.

In fact, the reason people are attracted and gather around Lynch is not necessarily because they want to hear him spout those annoying points; they simply do not believe the future will get worse, even though they have prepared for it and admitted the possibility in their hearts.

What they want to do now is find some loopholes in Lynch’s words to refute his views, so they can deceive themselves through self-deception, convincing themselves that all negative views are untenable and that the future will only get better.

Ferrari smiled. He thought Lynch had already mastered the knack of attracting others’ attention; after all, he was also captivated. He didn’t squeeze in but stood on the outskirts of the crowd, watching Lynch speak eloquently among them.

"Before I came, I read today’s Trade Report. The Federation’s industrial index hit another all-time high, and the daily trading volume also set a new record..."

He stood with a glass of wine amidst the crowd, showing no trace of the nervousness that might be expected from young people, only a calm demeanor that encouraged others to listen to his nonsense with composure.

He took a sip of wine, and as he raised his glass, those around him suddenly started breathing heavily, with some whispering among themselves about the points Lynch had made earlier.

When he lowered his glass, people held their breath and looked at him intently.

This feeling was wonderful!

Actually, going against the mainstream optimists at this time isn’t a good idea. Everyone is harboring a confused optimism, and when suddenly someone stands up to slap them and announce that the end is near, it brings no thanks, only complaints and some negative emotions, even opposition.

But Lynch had to do it. He was too young and didn’t have a good family background. If he were the heir of a tycoon or a great family, he wouldn’t need to do this at all.

He had nothing to rely on, coming from an ordinary family. He had no resources, yet he had to make people support and trust him. Thus, the best way was to establish a vivid image, one that always stood with what was right.

Perhaps some people are cursing him now, but when the end inevitably comes, these people will think of him first, desperately hoping to get some kind of redemption method or a piece of hope from him.

"Gentlemen, please note, many companies and factories around us are continually closing down. Many enterprises have not been in operation for a long time, yet the financial market is booming like never before. This is a natural warning to us from society."

"Some things are deceiving our perception, developing in ways that defy common sense, meaning disaster is bound to come!"

Of course, as mentioned before, some people listen to Lynch discussing his views not because they agree with them but to overthrow his points to prove he’s wrong.

At this moment, a man in his forties gently coughed, and Lynch appropriately stopped speaking. People turned their heads or looked directly at him, and he voiced his opinion, "Mr. Lynch, if you believe the prosperity of the financial market is false, why are we all making money?"

"Moreover...", he added, pausing briefly to organize his thoughts, "I’ve noticed some people use the handkerchief-passing game to describe the current financial market. If something unexpected happens, isn’t it only the few who hold the handkerchief that will suffer, rather than the entire Federation’s finance? What do you think about this?"

Handkerchief-passing is a traditional game in Bail Federal. The method is simple: everyone sits together and sings, passing the handkerchief to the person next to them. When the song stops, the person holding the handkerchief must stand up and perform a talent.

Previously, some believed there might be some risks in the financial market, but these risks weren’t aimed at everyone, just a few, like those holding stocks.

Out of a hundred people, only one holds stocks. Even if the stocks become worthless, only that last person loses, not everyone.

This view quickly gained widespread acceptance, which also kept increasing transaction volumes. Everyone believed they could complete the passing action before the song stopped, and even if the unlucky one became the sacrifice of the whole game, the game would soon start anew.

After a brief lull, a new round of prosperity would quickly emerge.

This inherently misleading and concept-swapping statement soon became one reason people believed the financial market would continue to develop stably, thanks to some people’s promotion. But in fact, the problem is far more serious than that.

Because what they are passing isn’t a handkerchief but a bomb. A bomb does not spare those within its blast radius, just because it isn’t in someone’s hands, and simultaneously, this is a very complex process.

The complexity of society and the greed of humanity ensure that the unlucky in this game are not just one person but rather the economic entities supporting this country.

Facing this issue, Lynch shook his head, "This view is very common and prevalent, but I think everyone overlooks one problem...", he was already prepared for some ’difficulties,’ "Stock and finance, in essence, are reflections of the entity’s industrial value."

"If one day the financial market indeed collapses, the unlucky ones aren’t just those financial investors holding stocks, but every one of us!"

Some couldn’t resist speaking up, "Mr. Lynch, your view is somewhat exaggerated. Why would things unrelated to us affect us?"

"I haven’t bought their stocks, nor do I have business connections with them. Why should their wellbeing affect me?" The speaker seemed quite dissatisfied with Lynch’s view and immediately voiced different opinions.

"Moreover, professors at Federation Central University have also mentioned in some related content, the current wave of closures and the financial market boom actually aren’t that related. Closure is merely the outcome of natural competitive behavior in the market."

"Many companies are heading towards termination, but we also see many businesses on the path to glory. Financial pessimism is merely an alarmist talk aiming to disturb others’ understanding and judgment through unsettling content. I believe everyone here trusts tomorrow will only be better."

Lynch did not continue to rebut. He was not there to make enemies over differing stances; he was merely expressing his view. Once someone clearly and decisively expressed their views, he knew it was time to stop.

If the topic continued, it might turn some people, initially without any interests or economic ties with him, into his enemies.

"Maybe you’re right!" He raised his wine glass, and those around him politely followed suit, ending this somewhat uncomfortable topic, "To the Federation..."

The crowd then dispersed, with everyone looking to chat with others or seeking opportunities. Ferrari came over, "Your viewpoint is quite distinctive, but it’s best not to mention these here."

He nodded towards the two "core" figures in the party, heavily surrounded by people at a distance, "At least they don’t like to hear it, nor do they want to see it come true."

"There are some things you know that you shouldn’t say. Once you’ve spoken, if they indeed turn into reality, it only makes others appear more foolish!"

That was truly heartfelt advice; Lynch’s five thousand bucks weren’t entirely useless, and Ferrari did make sense.

When people face disaster and pain, they usually don’t consider their issues; they often push the blame onto others. Once a financial storm hits and the Federation’s financial order collapses, some will shout about who predicted the disaster when, but those who could solve these disasters turned a blind eye.

This could enhance some’s notoriety, but also make those hurt by his words detest him.

Lynch shrugged, "I think I understand..."

Ferrari nodded, "Everyone here today is for that Personal Attendant, so you’d better go say a few flattering words. You’re younger than everyone else; he’ll remember you."

Lynch thought about it and agreed, patting Ferrari’s arm, he approached the edge of the crowd, pretending to be filled with a desire for knowledge as he watched the Governor’s Personal Attendant chat with people.

He hadn’t spoken yet, preparing to find a good opportunity to start. But just at that moment, the Mayor saw him and walked over.

"Lynch..."

Hearing the voice, Lynch turned voluntarily, his face showing some surprise while bending slightly to show respect, "Your Excellency, Mayor..."

Their greeting paused the communication in Lynch’s ’circle,’ people made way for their core figure to see the Mayor, and Lynch standing between them.

The Mayor amiably patted Lynch’s shoulder, then turned to the Governor’s Personal Attendant, smiling as he said, "This is the outstanding young man I mentioned in our last phone meeting, Lynch."

Overwhelmed?

Maybe a bit, but mostly it’s doubt.

Lynch didn’t believe the Mayor would boost his reputation for no reason. He must be plotting something, making Lynch extremely alert inside, yet he displayed appropriate surprise and joy on his face as if it were genuine.