Chapter 133: How Can You Attract Attention Without Setting Off a Big Firecracker?

All groups trading secondhand goods eventually face two awkward problems: insufficient supply and inconsistent quality.

Lynch’s success with the secondhand auction in Sabin City largely depended on his partnership with Mr. Fox.

High-quality secondhand goods flowed from Fox to Lynch, who refused worthless items, ensuring the products were consistently good.

As Lynch planned to expand statewide, the biggest challenge was sourcing enough satisfactory secondhand goods.

High quality and steady demand were essential for the auction’s sustainability and profitability.

Though it seemed difficult, Lynch had a solution: replace secondhand goods with brand-new products and sell them directly.

This seemingly contradictory model—selling new items as if secondhand—might raise concerns about losses.

But new goods attracted buyers more willing to pay a premium.

From the start, Lynch never aimed to profit from selling goods. His real profit came from selling the auction seats to salespeople.

After covering expenses, he could even run the auction for free, providing ample products and atmosphere—if salespeople paid for their seats.

With 30,000 to 50,000 seats across a dozen cities, monthly revenue neared a million. Even halving that, he’d earn half a million monthly without extra effort.

Sharing profits ensured loyalty. If he only cared about his own gains, people like Richard would leave him soon.

Where would the new cheap goods come from?

Undoubtedly from factories, so controlling costs became Lynch’s medium- to long-term goal. As bankruptcies spread toward first-tier cities, more large factories would close.

Their inventory would become Lynch’s auction’s main supply, but lasting success required long-term preparation.

Lynch agreed to cooperate with Lunetto, a light industry factory owner. Lunetto grew excited and began pitching his products.

“Mainly standard-sized seasonal clothes. We have designers and raw materials but also accept orders with provided designs…”

Some factories don’t design their own brands; they produce for others who supply designs and materials, signing quality agreements to protect their interests.

Clothing factories can quickly shift production, a light industry trait—but also why they face the harshest waves, lacking uniqueness.

Commonality and low technical barriers made most light industry factories the first casualties in the closure wave. Only those with patents or tech advantages survived.

Lunetto’s two factories were in this plight—no orders, stuck with excess stock of clothes and blankets. Without rescue, closure was inevitable.

Lynch knew few people at the reception because many had been eliminated by the chaotic society—bankrupt, closed, or worthless, they weren’t invited.

This society was ruthless; worthless businessmen weren’t welcome at such events, as their presence only brought decay, not the vibrant atmosphere the mayor wanted.

Lynch took a business card from his pocket and handed it to Lunetto. “We can discuss cooperation later. How does that sound?”

Lunetto glanced around, realizing his earlier approach was rash. “Apologies for my impoliteness, Mr. Lynch. When would you be available?”

Lynch briefly checked his schedule. “Tuesday afternoon?”

“Tuesday afternoon it is!” Lunetto sighed with relief, thankful for the chance, took a drink, then left to seek other opportunities, uncertain Lynch could help or prepared for failure.

As Lunetto left, another man approached—a composed man in his forties, exuding calm confidence, indicating his company was financially sound.

He extended a warm, dry hand. “Duncan,” he introduced himself simply, then said, “I know you, Mr. Lynch.”

Lynch raised an eyebrow and released the handshake. Several others nearby paused, waiting for Duncan and Lynch to finish before approaching—this was the rule.

“Oh? I don’t know much about you yet,” Lynch replied coolly. Duncan’s tone wasn’t very polite, nor was Lynch’s, but without clear hostility, it wasn’t a problem.

“I’m the general manager at Prospera Real Estate,” Duncan said proudly, justified by his position.

Prospera Real Estate was a young company under the influential Prospera Industrial Group, a major R&D industrial firm in the state.

They mainly developed machinery for market needs, such as the equipment used by Lunetto’s clothing and blanket factories.

Prospera Real Estate existed primarily to beautify financial statements and boost stock prices.

Duncan’s intent was clear—he coveted the land Lynch held.

When the club was established, the city was smaller; the land was far from downtown, now it bordered the center, multiplying its value.

Big firms like Prospera viewed professional football clubs as money pits unlikely to yield profits, so though some eyed the land, none bought it before Lynch.

Now Lynch wanted to sell, naturally attracting interest.

They briefly discussed without details—this was a reception, not a deal-making venue—just an expression of interest.

After scheduling a follow-up, Duncan left satisfied.

Then Ferrell appeared, watching Lynch handle the social scene with ease, feeling it was almost unreal.

He’d seen many newcomers to such events embarrass themselves for various reasons, including himself during his first upscale social reception.

Yet Lynch seemed confident. Ferrell felt conflicted—half expecting Lynch to mess up, half hoping for perfect composure.

People are always contradictory, wanting to believe in perfection to nurture their good side, yet fearing true perfection because it makes themselves seem flawed.

Gradually, a crowd formed around Lynch—rare in such settings for a newcomer to become a focal point.

If Lynch had elders, they’d likely advise him before the reception to keep quiet, listen more, and withhold judgment.

At this point, Ferrell couldn’t help but feel curious. He wanted to know what Lynch was saying that had drawn these people to surround him.

After greeting the mayor, Ferrell raised his glass and approached Lynch’s small group. Before getting close, he overheard Lynch say,

“The federal financial market is bound to collapse…”