Darkstone Code
Chapter 212 - 0210 Everyone has their own little thoughts

Chapter 212: 0210 Everyone has their own little thoughts

The citizens are dissatisfied with the mayor, and the capitalists in the city aren’t too pleased with the mayor either. They’re the least willing to see social unrest, as it means their business would be ruined.

This gathering held by merchants is said to be for the protection of property and fighting against illegal acts, but realistically, it has some "ideas."

Lynch didn’t make a statement and just stood quietly to the side. Although people were paying attention to him, it was clear that the core of this gathering wasn’t him, but that merchant.

What he said wasn’t entirely correct. According to Federation laws, "trespassing" often refers to infringing non-commercial private territories, such as residences; direct counterattacks in such cases are legally protected.

However, whether commercial premises fall under the "trespassing" concept and whether one can shoot invaders without hesitation involve technical and moral issues. Not to mention that when the merchant stated the purpose of his gathering, the claim was indeed unfounded.

To eliminate those who rob their property, gunmen were deliberately stationed in stores; the jury would surely frown upon them, considering it intentional murder.

Perhaps the gunmen might be acquitted, but the organizer could possibly be found guilty of murder, so nobody responded positively to his words, as there weren’t many fools present.

After saying a few words, seeing the atmosphere was decent, he moved to the main topic of the gathering, "Speaking of the recent problems in our city, there’s someone with unique views. Do you know Legislator Edward?"

Some people nodded. Legislator Edward is one of the members of the state’s House of Representatives. He has initiated some proposals regarding urban reform and often engages deeply with the public.

He prides himself most on his mastery of ironworking and lumbering skills, which he claims to have learned from blacksmiths and lumberjacks, to experience the hardship of labor.

People from the grassroots are quite impressed by this, and he’s gained some fame in society.

But his scripts aren’t quite able to enter the upper echelons of society, and frankly, a member of the state House of Representatives, although formidable, is limited to that.

While the merchant was speaking, someone knocked on the door, and into the room walked Legislator Edward.

The merchant briefly explained, "I’ve exchanged many ideas and opinions with Legislator Edward these past few days; I believe he is someone very passionate about our lives, concerned with our interests."

"The recent events have made me realize that we need someone to speak for us!"

At this moment, people finally understood the gathering’s intent, which was essentially political. Some were quite intrigued, agreeing that the merchant had a point, as nothing has changed thus far.

Moreover, investing in politicians has always been traditional. Politicians use capitalists’ money to expand their influence, and in return, they must use their gained power to benefit those supporting capitalists.

The most common types are tax relief, and of course, there are regional policy biases, things that attract capitalists.

Some found this very boring, like Lynch, as he knew deeper inside information that Legislator Edward and his potential supporters already angered the mayor and those behind the mayor.

Regardless of whether they’re from the same party or faction within a party, they inevitably sowed small discord among themselves.

Which is understandable.

For a party, resources are limited; even major parties like the Progressive or Conservative Party, and the Socialist Party have been subconsciously forgotten again.

Their resources can only concentrate on a few individuals, while others must fight for themselves, and someone from the many grassroots politicians may become one of these individuals.

Sabin City’s mayor earned his position by fighting for it, and that’s why he caught some people’s attention and became a part of the backup(pool) choice.

The grassroots competition is always cruel, whether it be for ordinary people, small merchants, or these "grassroots politicians."

The myriad small circles in thousands of rooms make up the diverse facets of this society.

Among many unfavorable news, there’s good news. The beverage water company has reached an agreement with their employees; after two days of halted supply, they promise timed supply hours every morning and afternoon.

The agreement was reached because the beverage water company’s employees realized after two days of striking they too were suffering the consequences.

Indeed, others had no drinking water, but their own taps were equally dry, forcing intense negotiation rounds to reach a compromise.

Generally, it involves two fewer work hours per week, a 3.5% increase in monthly wages based on hourly pay standards, and three extra paid holiday days annually. That’s all they could manage.

The workers contently enjoyed their legal strike holiday; they’re in no hurry to return to work and wish to bolster the momentum for other strike groups.

Perhaps noticing Lynch standing alone, Legislator Edward holding a wine glass walked over after concluding a topic.

Currently, Lynch is quite an attention-grabbing merchant in Sabin City. In this countercurrent era, where any enterprise being profitable is difficult, just operating without loss is notable, something to boast proudly.

And yet, Lynch’s company not only is not losing money, but it’s profiting significantly every week.

What’s even more unfathomable is that average people mostly view capitalists negatively, but in Lynch’s case, many are grateful to him and his businesses.

Even the mayor occasionally needed to leverage Lynch’s influence for promotion, not to mention they planned to collaborate with TV stations and telecom companies to launch auction live streams and telephone auction events!

If these things can indeed become reality, everyone would sense a formidable monster emerging.

Externally, Lynch’s company valuation nearly met listing standards, and if their consistent success "style" remains during auctions at the state’s capital, more companies and individuals would invest in Lynch.

Receiving Lynch’s aid is almost equal to indirectly gaining attention, and even assistance, from those behind him.

"Without a date?" Edward proactively approached Lynch, not underestimating him for his youth.

Lynch turned with a slight nod, "I don’t have a girlfriend for now. You know, people like us always feel there’s not enough time and certainly won’t have time for love."

He gently swirled his wine glass, the liquid inside oscillated slightly, "Maybe I’ll consider these things after I turn thirty."

This opener is quite ordinary, Edward and Lynch clinked glasses, "What do you think is our current issue?"

It’s a very broad question, Lynch pondered, "Communication."

If labor and management could calmly sit down for communication instead of using drastic means like a major strike to express demands, perhaps the problem wouldn’t have escalated to this extent.

But every issue has two sides; maybe they attempted this before and failed, thus strikes became routine as only then do capitalists hear what workers say.

This major strike however, in terms of scale, influence, and damage, exceeds those previously occurred.

Legislator Edward pointed with his wine-glass hand at Lynch, "You’re absolutely right, communication; we haven’t seen effective communication channels yet. Appealing and speeches won’t alter the actual situation."

He implied the mayor’s actions are futile, seemingly true.

As he spoke, a smile appeared, "I’m different from Landon and those others; they’re either academic(Saint Harmony Alliance) or elite (prestigious universities) politicians, clueless about people’s real wants."

"Whereas I..." he retreated with a slight gesture, his body language was very rich, making his words appear more compelling, "I came from an ordinary elementary school, ordinary high school, ordinary university; I know what those people want because I emerged from among them."

This statement is actually invalid, because those genuine "them" can’t afford university; those who can are at least middle class, at least!

He shifted gears, "I’m acquainted with the Union’s branch head, and intend to first discuss labor-capital conflict resolutions with them; if you have needs, perhaps during negotiations they can be addressed too."

This is his way to attract others, directly confronting the Union’s branch head about this major strike, many present urgently wish for a quick resolution and resumption of work. Legislator Edward adeptly captured their needs, his bargaining chips shone brightly.

But these chips are not effective for Lynch, as he has few workers under his wing, only numerous partners!

Moreover, he never forces folks to work fervently; his attitude is either take it or leave it, personal interest always drives people better than coercion, money is better than a whip!

Lynch shook his head, "Glad you thought of me, but I don’t have these troubles for now."

Edward was a bit disappointed, but just that; he never expected a casual gathering to win everyone’s support for him. If he could achieve that, he’d already be President.