Chapter 143: Two Big Troubles

“The first trouble is, I plan to enter the import-export business, but I don’t have the import-export quota…”

Due to the Conservative Party’s isolationist policies and fear of war, they believe exporting to or importing from countries at war would drag them into conflict.

This view was shared by most of the Beyler Federation at the start of the world war, including the Progressive Party, which failed to reach consensus on this issue. This allowed the Conservatives to win the election easily.

Because of this isolation policy, even after the war ended, the Federation’s international trade hasn’t recovered. Only limited, unavoidable trade continues—like exchanging goods for raw materials the Federation can’t produce locally. For ordinary people or companies, running large-scale international trade is nearly impossible.

A special government office, the International Trade Approval Office, under the Foreign Ministry and partly managed by Defense, strictly controls what can be imported or exported each year. This shows how cautious the country is about foreign trade.

For someone like Lynch who wants to start an export business, it’s basically impossible in the short term. He doesn’t even have a chance to try.

The mayor’s frown deepened as he tightened his grip, creating furrows between his brows and a stern, commanding look—a look that mostly comes from his title: His Honor the Mayor.

If it were a homeless man frowning like that, he wouldn’t command respect but likely scorn and insults.

“I’ll ask around, but the chances are slim. Without changes in international policy soon, the opportunity is minimal.”

Many have sought to trade internationally, but with the war just ended, no one knows if a border incident might spark war again. So they’re cautious.

But the mayor didn’t reveal the truth: the Progressive Party’s top leaders believe the world war is basically over.

Not because people suddenly became civilized, but because most warring nations have exhausted their strength and cannot continue unless they want to perish.

Looking at the global situation, war is about a country’s overall strength—once it’s gone, there’s no point in fighting.

However, the Conservative Party, which benefits politically from the isolation policy and the peace it brings, isn’t ready to abandon it yet. The policy still holds political capital to be used.

Inside, attitudes have loosened, but this isn’t public knowledge. Despite their televised quarrels—Conservative president attacking the Progressives, Progressive leaders calling the president a pig—both parties share some common views behind the scenes.

Oh, and there’s the Socialists too, but they’re mostly forgotten, with newspapers often only mentioning two parties instead of three.

If the mayor really wanted to help Lynch, it might be possible, but since he would get little return on his favor, he doesn’t think it’s worth it.

Politics can be headache-inducing, or sometimes just a matter of power play.

Lynch wasn’t surprised by this conclusion. Maintaining his graceful demeanor as he cut his steak, he casually said, “If I can get free trade rights, I can solve the employment issues left after Liston Group left.”

He put a juicy piece of beef into his mouth; the juice burst delightfully as he chewed. “Maybe even more than that. We could lower unemployment. I believe people are more willing to work in situations like this, don’t you think?”

No one needs to be told: if there are suitable—or even unsuitable but paid—jobs, people will work, no matter how hard or dirty.

Having a job means income, which means survival. Without income, decades of accumulated wealth vanish instantly.

It’s harsh, but kindness doesn’t save the world.

“Is import-export really that profitable?” The mayor was shocked. If international trade could bring such profits, it might be the Progressive Party’s clean way to oust the Conservatives—just open up trade. Too simple.

Lynch smiled, a smile that unsettled the mayor. The young man’s carefully styled slicked-back hair and mature appearance contrasted with his barely twenty years, yet his expression held the same knowing contempt Lynch had seen on seasoned politicians and capitalists—an understanding of human nature and the world.

But before, those smiles belonged only to the old; now it was on someone who could be their son.

Lynch set down his knife and fork, dabbed his mouth with a napkin, and the smile on his face grew clearer.

He pressed both hands on the table’s corners, leaning back slightly, stretching his upper body. He was about the mayor’s height but his posture gave off an intimidating presence.

“This relates to my second trouble. Interested?”

The mayor silently put down his utensils. He reached for his wine glass to ease the tension but withdrew when he saw the deep red liquid. He nodded, “Maybe I am.”

“I plan to change the current employment system—no more minimum work hours. Instead, employment will become cooperation…” Lynch’s words tightened the mayor’s brow again.

The Minimum Wage Law has been in place for many years, adjusted annually for inflation, and all employers must comply.

Workers must work at least 60 hours and no more than 72 hours a week.

If less than 60 hours, the employer must pay the hourly wage for actual work and minimum wage for the rest.

Meaning, if a factory hires a worker but doesn’t give them work, they still must pay minimum wage monthly.

If over 72 hours, overtime pay applies, at least 120% of normal wage.

This law protects workers’ rights and was celebrated by the working and middle classes when passed. Some even read the law to their employers to shame them.

People say it protects workers, but it also protects capitalists—though that’s another matter.

Since its enactment, many have paid huge fines or gone bankrupt proving it’s a line that can’t be crossed. The judiciary can impose punitive penalties, turning a small fine into a huge one, or increasing sentences drastically, as a deterrent.

Lynch’s plan made the mayor nervous. It could trigger protests, then mass demonstrations, possibly riots.

The lower classes, while sometimes pitiable, often blame their misfortune on social injustice and others’ hostility, rarely on themselves.

Lynch’s idea might spark this. People would blame unemployment on capitalists or politicians, leading to trouble.

Before Lynch could continue, the mayor interrupted, “Your idea is dangerous, Lynch. One wrong step and it could cause serious trouble. Even if I wanted to help, I couldn’t.”

“Some things you can try; even if you fail, people will forgive you because you’re young.”

“But some things you cannot touch. No matter your age or intent, if you do, you become a sinner.”