Darkstone Code
Chapter 173 - 0171 took so long to think of a b name

Chapter 173: 0171 took so long to think of a b name

"Things have been a bit grim lately, try not to go out after dark!"

Shortly after returning to Sabin City, Ferrari came knocking at the door, casually mentioning some issues with the current social order in Sabin City, and reminding Lynch to avoid leaving the house after dark whenever possible.

Sometimes it all seems quite laughable. Bail Federal, as the most technologically advanced country on the planet, at least up to now economically highly developed, still has an absurdly high crime rate.

Every year, a vast number of unsolved cases reportedly fill several industrial warehouses. Yes, those kinds of warehouses that stand several meters tall and cover thousands of square meters.

Each shelf is packed with various dossiers and evidence, but these cases stop here, at least until a breakthrough emerges. All the cases won’t be mentioned again, eventually forgotten, and then these documents of evil will burn to ashes under the gaze of many relevant personnel.

And the flames they emit during burning will illuminate the city... or maybe just light up a few bulbs, as we all know that’s the extent of thermal power generation.

So as long as those cases don’t have significant social impact, if unresolved in the short term, they simply fade away.

As various situations arise in society, the crime rate starts to soar, with some desperate and cash-strapped individuals taking risks. According to Sabin City Police Station statistics, the rate of theft cases has seen explosive growth since three years ago and continues to rise, showing no end even today.

Each day, dozens of thefts are recorded in the police case logs through the NaYawan alarm system, and maybe even more thefts occur without anyone reporting them.

Because these people have nothing left to steal, they have no need to anger the thieves.

Just like the burglary Lynch reported earlier, the police only came to record it. They wouldn’t deploy any force specifically for this case, instead just notifying certain individuals through their own channels to watch for high-profile stolen goods circulating from some cases.

This was an action taken by the officer recording the case, who had a favorable impression of Lynch, spontaneously. If it were someone ordinary or plain-looking, they wouldn’t waste a phone call charge spreading such information, and the case would eventually fade away.

Various violent crimes, robberies, and similar heinous incidents frequently occur, making the city increasingly unsafe.

"Why not organize manpower to root out these gang members?" Lynch curiously questioned. To him, solving the crime rate seemed a simple enough issue, at least he didn’t think it would be too difficult.

Ferrari just shook his head with a smile, dismissing this as Lynch’s somewhat naive thinking, "You probably don’t know, the local police station this past half-year has spent between three hundred and a thousand bucks for each case solved, including those promptly blocked and still unresolved cases."

"You know how the Federation’s judicial system works. Sometimes, even if some already know the answers, they’re helpless. You must follow the rules and procedures stipulated by the law."

"This indirectly raises the cost of solving cases. For a successfully solved theft case, the police station might have to spend around two thousand bucks in costs, and the costs for solving a murder case might sometimes go up to tens of thousands of bucks. If you were to tackle all the city’s problems at once, the City Hall could immediately declare bankruptcy."

"So we only selectively solve some cases, it’s not that we don’t want to, but can’t."

Ferrari is quite clear about the complexities within, as he’s been working hard to become the next mayor, paying attention and keeping these matters in mind.

In fact, gangs, to some extent, help police maintain social order because gangs and police, and even those in power, share the same goal: stability, as only stability allows them to collect more money.

Veering away from this topic, Ferrari talked about Lynch’s recent trip to Curilan, "Firstly, on behalf of the mayor, congratulations on your successful debut in Curilan City..."

The massive transaction volume has validated this "policy" promoted by Mr. Landon, the Sabin City Mayor. The enthusiastic support from the public is the best manifestation, drawing attention from within the state and the Progressive Party.

Now, any policy that improves the living conditions of citizens and is proven effective will attract great attention, such as the credit loans starting in October.

Some aspects the rulers can participate in and gain dominance, but some they can’t, which gives them choices, and they prefer to hold onto things they can control.

Immediately, the Governor’s Office required Sabin City’s mayor to submit a report on the positive impacts of promoting secondhand goods trading and improving the exchange of idle goods to the Governor’s Office.

If there’s no accident, other states will gradually start similar auctions lately.

They might not really understand how to innovate or find key opportunities, yet copying is something inherent.

The mayor has gained considerable political leverage, perhaps not even anticipating this windfall for what was initially just a chance to borrow Lynch’s crowd to promote his public speech.

Of course, the Mayor would not forget the role Lynch played in this and his contributions. He even felt that he could draw closer to Lynch.

This time Ferrari came primarily for this matter. He needs Lynch to provide broader visionary thinking, to elucidate from a higher, more macro perspective the positive value of revitalizing second-hand idle goods in the current society.

Alongside that, there’s another matter — the tall, slender group hoped the Mayor would exert some pressure on Lynch, hoping he would agree to lower the cash ratio of the shares.

They’ve already made enough compromises, at least they think a 25% cash ratio sufficiently shows their sincerity. Perhaps finding a middleman, giving each other a way out, might achieve this.

"I’m merely passing on their opinions; it doesn’t represent my position or the Mayor’s!" Ferrari stated cautiously, essentially telling Lynch that he could refuse without offending him or the Mayor.

Now Lynch’s value is evidently higher than the others. The Mayor knows whom to choose. He asked Ferrari to relay these words, essentially just conveying them, after all, the tall, slender group contributes quite a few votes and political donations each year. As a direct beneficiary, he must maintain a neutral stance.

As for whether Lynch agrees, that’s Lynch’s concern. It’s well-known that Bail Federal is a free nation, the holy term "freedom" is even inscribed in the charter, no one can interfere with others’ pursuit of free will, not even the Mayor.

Lynch nodded with a slight smile. Though he appeared to be smiling, Ferrari read refusal from his expression.

He originally didn’t want to discuss unrelated issues but couldn’t resist, saying abruptly, "Just a curious discussion...," looking at Lynch, who nodded, allowing him to continue, "I heard the offer wasn’t low; why refuse?"

Lynch looked at Ferrari. His calm gaze made Ferrari feel a chill from his tailbone to his scalp. Just as Ferrari was ready to skip the topic, Lynch spoke up, "If someone thinks you are young, thus believes they can teach you in certain ways — for instance, they might think you’re too young, not qualified to compete for the Mayor’s election, and advise you to quit. Do you think you should compromise?"

"Even if they promise to support you and elect you next time, but this time you must bow — would you be willing?"

"This is a war, Ferrari. In the world of merchants, there’s no peace. Today, if I yield an inch, tomorrow I may lose everything I have."

"Even though we’re all members of Sabin City’s Progressive Party, standing on the same side, as long as there’s a chance for me to devour them, I will openly seize it. I believe they’re the same."

After hearing this, Ferrari stopped discussing the topic, knowing this was the limit, and soon he bid farewell.

Over half an hour later, Ferrari returned to the Mayor’s study to discuss the gains from the trip and Lynch’s final attitude.

After hearing this, the Mayor frowned, rhythmically tapping his fingers on the desk unconsciously.

Essentially, he doesn’t want disputes among the merchants in the city; he’s already troubled enough.

He doesn’t care about these merchants’ lives but behind each merchant are large groups of ordinary people depending on their business for wages, to support their families. If the conflict between these people and Lynch intensifies, some troublesome events might arise.

Lately, Neo has applied to the state government for a relocation permit for the Ristone Group. They plan to move to the neighboring Conservative State. Even a member of the President’s Cabinet has phoned to inquire and urged the Governor not to make things difficult for Neo’s President, to quickly complete the process.

Once these processes are completed, Neo can leave with his people; he departs easily but leaves behind a huge mess.

Not considering the skyrocketing unemployment rate, just the enraged people who lost jobs could tear the Mayor apart.

The Governor privately discussed the issue with the Mayor; now it’s not just between Sabin City and Ristone but also conflicts between the Governor and Ristone.

Neo, wanting to relocate quickly, applied unpleasant pressure on the Governor, making him feel insulted.

Privately, he told the Mayor, even if Ristone cannot stay and will move, they shouldn’t leave easily; they must pay for their actions!

Compared to this matter, the Mayor suddenly felt that the conflict over Lynch and other merchants regarding investment cash diminished his stature.

The movement of his fingers suddenly stopped; the somewhat distracted Ferrari refocused. The Mayor glanced at him, "Tell them we’ve conveyed their message; this is the last time. I don’t want to hear anything related to these matters hereafter."

Ferrari slightly bowed his head, "I know what to do!"