Darkstone Code
Chapter 82 - 0081 The streets are full of high-quality resources

Chapter 82: 0081 The streets are full of high-quality resources

"The Henghui Group scandal implicates many, and legislator Thomas has already been summoned by the state court..."

"Numerous businesses within the state are involved in this shocking cross-border tax evasion scandal, with far-reaching impacts..."

"So far, eleven companies are under investigation by the FBI, Federal Tax Bureau, and Federal Security Committee due to the ’Henghui Group scandal’, leading to a temporary shutdown, and workers have been marching, demanding a swift conclusion to the investigations and a return to work..."

Whether in newspapers or on television, news about the Henghui Group’s tax evasion scandal has gradually increased lately.

This is essentially a very clear storm; first, voices are raised through various channels, allowing the public to become aware that many things may change in the short term, so when the storm hits, people won’t be caught off guard.

People might even say to those around them, "I knew damn well this day was coming," to show off their foresight, while also reminding some to report what needs reporting or escape if they must.

In other words, those at the top of Henghui Group can no longer look after this "little brother", their backers may have abandoned them or been dragged down by them; higher-level battles have concluded, and that is the reason—it’s time, and no changes will occur.

"What do you think?" asked Little Fox, sitting beside with a newspaper in hand, cultivating the good habit of reading the paper, something he learned from Lynch recently.

Many times, Lynch would take time to read the newspaper; newspapers are still a mainstream news channel, at least within the Federation. It’s difficult even for television to stably suppress traditional print media in terms of being a news medium and channel.

Several people believe that within the next ten years, television will eventually replace traditional print media and become an important way for people to obtain news information— they are too optimistic; this transition will continue for a while, until the advent of portable small technology products, print media will then be replaced.

Before then, televisions can never achieve the portability of print media.

You can pull out a newspaper from your briefcase while riding to pass the time.

You can grab a newspaper for some leisure while waiting for something.

You can even enjoy the sensation of relief in the restroom while reading the newspaper to ignore the peculiar smells of the space. Sometimes, newspapers have other uses when finished, but it’s advisable to wash extra thoroughly, as the ink tends to smear onto your behind.

Television can’t do this; people cannot carry a bulky TV to and from work, the reason traditional print media hasn’t been replaced by TV lies in its convenience.

Just like now, Lynch can easily pick up a newspaper to read content that interests him, enjoying this brief reading time, but he can’t carry a television around, demanding it play according to his preferences.

During his time interacting with Lynch, he changed some views of Little Fox, like those struggling at the bottom of society aren’t necessarily unintelligent.

He used to think so; now he dares not. Lynch is not only smarter than him but even smarter than Mr. Fox.

Lynch casually set the newspaper down, shook his head, "I’m lacking some evidence to back up my thoughts, so I wouldn’t comment or discuss these matters."

In truth, he has them but simply doesn’t want to speak. These companies linked to Henghui are all joint ventures; combined with Lynch’s extensive recent learning and deeper understanding of this world, he’s already realized where the issue lies.

But there’s no need to share this with Little Fox; even less for Mr. Fox to understand, as it’s unrelated to their lives, without needing them to worry.

Lynch’s words contain an unwillingness to continue discussing this topic, and Little Fox quickly changed the subject, "Recently, my father and I have been discussing investing in other industries, legitimate businesses, what do you think?"

Fox father and son’s change are greatly influenced by Lynch; they contrast starkly between both sides.

Lynch is not slower in making money than them; in some way, he makes money faster—from a percentage return standpoint instead of specific figures, a hundred Gaitenau Financial Company combined don’t make more than one Lynch.

The key is Lynch’s businesses are all legal, legally earning and spending money—living days that seem like dreams, for the first time making Mr. Fox somewhat unwilling to believe in denying past decisions.

Thus, the duo discussed for a while, deciding to invest in some legitimate ventures, and if successful, they can escape their current situation, at least without constant fear.

These ideas of theirs make Lynch feel rather remarkable. Many accustomed to quick money refuse to accept legitimate businesses, yet this father-son duo actively seeks change.

He nodded and gestured to the street outside the large glass window, "What do you see?"

Many pedestrians were on the street, some looking dejected, giving off a sense of negativity. Economic downturn isn’t a joyous matter and coupled with work stoppage surges and major enterprises paused for investigations, many workers lost their jobs.

Moreover, there were some women—perhaps it’s Little Fox’s own illusion, or his perceptions can’t quite keep pace with the times, but he always felt this summer, street girls seem more eye-catching. Previously such pretty girls were rare to see on the street.

Still, he wouldn’t express this; as a civilized man with schooling and higher education, he didn’t think Lynch’s question was so simple.

Thoughtfully, he answered Lynch’s question within his professional realm, adopting a tentative tone, "Cheap labor resources?"

This summer marks nearly a decade’s first significant drop in average wages, as before they would rise continuously each year; but since summer began, workers who threatened strikes for no pay raises vanished.

Instead, corners are filled with temp workers willing to work for mere meals.

Job seekers in employment centers also lowered their demands for wages slightly, manpower is becoming cheap, a consensus among everyone.

Lynch shook his head, "You could say that, but you need to look deeper—haven’t you noticed girls are more revealing, skirts getting shorter?"

Little Fox was slightly embarrassed, he used awkward laughter to mask certain thoughts inside just as Mr. Fox entered, looking particularly spirited today, carrying a Civilization Staff.

"What are you discussing?" He hung the Civilization Staff beside the door in a slot designed for umbrellas and canes, prompted Little Fox to start a fan, and curiously asked.

Little Fox recapped their conversation, stirring Mr. Fox’s interest; he helped ask, "Why is it?"

Lynch smiled, crossing his legs and naturally placing hands on the sofa’s armrests, "Because of economic recession, small and medium enterprises, even large ones can’t afford these vases anymore—head to some large companies and you’ll see busier employees, mostly male."

"The company’s profits aren’t enough to support some attractive women, or..." he tilted his head, "You know, some like office affairs, but now they must save this part of the budget."

"Usually those kept girls lose their jobs, forced to search for new opportunities on the street, else they’ll starve," Lynch breathed out, "That’s the opportunity I mean."

Mr. Fox uncertainly said, "To my knowledge, only two out of Federation’s seventeen states have legal solicitation..."

Lynch glanced at him, "I didn’t mean that, but the entertainment industry!"

Little Fox still didn’t quite understand, "But you mentioned the economy’s retreat, many losing jobs, how’s the entertainment industry supposed to grow?"