Chapter 147: An Unnoticed Warning

In this world, some films recoup their costs even before filming begins.

One such story depicts minorities in the Baylor Federation who, through hard work, change their racial status and find happiness. Every minority character in the film is diligent, resilient, and faces life’s ups and downs head-on, ultimately earning positive recognition for the protagonist and their group.

However, this type of film is not easily replicable. It can recoup costs before shooting mainly because the lead minority actors agree to work for free, and numerous minority capitalists donate and sponsor the film.

Of course, these minorities represent only a small fraction of society; the Baylor people still hold real power.

It’s understandable that some minorities are wealthy—affording passage to the Baylor Federation from around the world was no small feat when travel was less developed. They often arrived with their families and even servants.

The poor minority in the film is likely just a narrative device; what they truly lack is political power.

The Baylor Federation appreciates their contributions, as these people fueled rapid economic growth in recent years.

So how could Lynch’s film, which doesn’t involve religion or race, start making money before filming?

“It’s simple,” Lynch said, in good spirits after drinking with the mayor and now here with the Foxes, with whom he had a good relationship.

Alcohol is a magical thing—no matter how nervous someone is, a sip can ease their mind, even those about to be executed. Before their sentence, a drink might even make them joke with guards about how they don’t want their funeral smelling like a barbecue.

Leaning back with his drink, Lynch said, “Here’s the first way to make money.” He looked at Fox Jr. “If you watch a decent adult film in the theater, wouldn’t you want to see more content related to the leading actress?”

The film’s plot involved a scantily clad heroine, ketchup, and aliens—lively, at least according to James.

Mr. Fox smirked slightly, and Fox Jr. shyly nodded. Admiring a film’s lead or star is normal.

Lynch sipped his drink, his spirits lifted by alcohol. “If you heard soon that the lead actress was going to shoot some straightforward, simple adult films, would you be interested?”

Both Foxes paused then nodded. Mr. Fox even asked, “Would we star in them ourselves?”

Lynch was surprised. “You want a role?”

Mr. Fox blushed and shook his head quickly. “No, I’m just curious. I don’t know if we’d actually film those.”

Lynch shook his head. “Of course not us. We’ll hold a casting call, select a pretty, well-built girl, then sign multiple contracts with her—starting with the first film and continuing…” He shrugged. “You know how it goes.”

“Then sell those contracts to the largest adult film producers in the Federation. Stirring up the buzz will bring steady income and more exposure.”

“Adult film fans who don’t usually watch theater releases will pay attention and get a head start in theaters to see who the next star of their favorite studio will be.”

“For studios, audiences who watch traditional films but aren’t interested in adult films might buy their products just because of the lead actress.”

“That’s just the first step…”

There were countless ways to profit—from TV broadcast rights of the casting to sponsorships and paid performances. This flood of schemes explains why the industry attracts so many scammers.

Even the worst scripts, once registered with the Directors’ Guild, are used to swindle investors—with surprisingly high success.

In recent years, film and television have surged, especially as many people stay home watching TV due to lack of money for entertainment. TV ratings hit record highs.

Many recognize the financial risks but throw money into the booming industry, only to fall prey to scammers.

Lynch and the Foxes discussed their plan: in about one to two months, they would hold a state-wide casting call for a suitable lead. In reality, only a few would qualify, as most girls wouldn’t agree to shoot adult content—even adult-rated, not strictly adult.

However, some girls already in the business might be willing. According to tabloids, thousands of girls enter the adult film industry yearly.

Why? Simply money. Short shoot times, small audiences, low publicity, but decent pay. Many films have no connection to their personal lives.

Even if discovered, this is more socially acceptable than street work, though the public often sees both as the same.

Among these girls, some fit the required image and are willing to expose themselves. Contracts are typically project-based with adult studios, no long-term ties, making things flexible.

Lynch’s ideas amazed the Foxes. They were sure recruiting Lynch was their best decision in years.

The next morning, a knock woke Lynch. He took a moment to remember he was still at the Foxes’ villa, having stayed late discussing the plan.

Rubbing his head and still a bit dizzy, he removed his robe and showered with hot water to fully recover.

He joined breakfast just as it was served.

The clean table held simple yet exquisite food, lifting his spirits.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Mr. Fox asked politely—a social nicety like Have you eaten? to which one usually responds It was great or Quite an experience.

Lynch shook his head as he sat. “Honestly, no. I’m not used to spring mattresses, and that one was softer than any I’ve seen!”

Curious, Mr. Fox asked, “Pardon me, Lynch, but have you ever been imprisoned or detained?”

“No,” Lynch answered firmly without hesitation. “Why?”

“Nothing. Only long-term prisoners prefer harder beds. You might not know, but only prisons still use very hard beds.”

When spring mattresses first appeared, only the wealthy could afford them. Soon, patents were bypassed, and cheaper versions flooded the market. Original makers stopped production, focusing on licensing.

This popularized spring beds, and ads promised Enjoy a $5 million night for just $50, so now almost every home has one.

Lynch’s dislike for soft beds means only prisons or rural homes still have wooden beds.

He didn’t reply to the question. When he once requested a wooden bed custom-made, furniture sellers gave him strange looks; he said nothing.

He casually picked up the Trade Gazette. Nothing special, just the usual news. But near the back, he found an interesting notice:

A businessman had purchased war bonds from a World War participant nation. Now that country, a victor, should have redeemed the bonds after the war, but the redemption hasn’t been carried out as promised.

An office in the federal capital issued warnings to individuals and organizations holding these bonds.

But since these issues lacked official recognition and the Federation likely didn’t verify them, the notice, though published in the Trade Gazette, was placed awkwardly in the center fold.

Lynch frowned and made a mental note: if even a victorious nation can’t redeem its bonds, the global economic outlook is grim.

Other than this, there was nothing else worthy of his attention. Headlines like the Federation’s industrial index hitting new highs no longer attracted interest. In the past three years, out of about 800 headlines, at least 600 carried the same story—Creating Miracles. Sometimes, too many miracles just numb people.