Chapter 154: Rights and Responsibilities, Both Essential

The silence in the corner did not affect the entire floor. Occasionally, people passed by in the hallway. They might glance this way, but when they saw two men holding cigarettes by the window, they lost interest and moved on.

At meetings, some men smoked before it started. Although no official rule banned indoor smoking, people generally avoided it.

No one liked smelling of smoke or alcohol—it was always unpleasant. Smoking indoors was also seen as a matter of etiquette.

Lynch shook his head by the window. “I don’t need a loan right now. Someone has already invested in me.”

He had cashed the bank draft Mark gave him and deposited it. Eight hundred thousand was no small amount, enough to catch the attention of bankers who liked gossip. George knew about it and understood the small stories behind it.

The investors publicly claimed they valued Lynch’s Interstellar Trading Company at seventy million to hype up their shares—a common tactic in business.

Valuations were always estimates. Negotiations would quickly lower that valuation to a reasonable price, but this was private knowledge, not shared outside because it involved everyone’s interests.

They would also claim the company’s market value would reach seventy million in three to five years, making their investments worth multiple times more.

Sometimes business was just that simple—talk could generate over a hundred million in revenue.

Even if the price was lowered, several million could still be sold. Lynch had raised about one million seven or eight hundred thousand from George, plus Mark’s eight hundred thousand, several million soon arriving, and a piece of land worth two million. In a short time, he had made a huge transformation.

Was it a miracle?

No, just extraordinary. The real miracle was the stock and financial markets over the last two years.

They finished their cigarettes quickly. At the end, George subtly advised him not to acquire any real industry soon—a token of their cooperation.

If the financial market crashed, all wealth-linked industries would be devastated, including real industries.

Buying real assets now would be paying for others in advance. Better to wait for bankruptcies and buy expensive assets at lower prices.

They returned to the meeting and rejoined their social circles. Lynch’s return drew attention. In this realistic world, money made you the brightest star.

Now that everyone knew Lynch had cash, speculators, opportunists, and some legitimate businessmen circled him.

“Mr. Lynch, I heard your club is recruiting female athletes?” asked a well-dressed, clean middle-aged gentleman in his forties. He was a bit stout but neat, exuding a faint fruity wood scent—not perfume.

In true high society, perfume was often associated with women hiding inherited flaws, and real elites preferred subtle scents from incense.

Such people, excluding nouveau riche, had incense rooms where servants scented their clothes before social events using rare spices. The scent faded quickly but was enough for a party.

Many old noble families still used this method. Maybe in the future, they would favor perfume’s convenience, but not now.

The gentleman seemed interested in Lynch’s recruitment. “Are there sports women who can really compete in?” Around them, others stayed silent, showing this man’s status.

“Who are you?” Lynch didn’t know him, but someone stepped up to introduce.

A man in his mid-thirties said, “This is Baron Reynolds of Kazril…” His proud expression almost made Lynch think he belonged there too.

Lynch feigned surprise, unaware where Kazril was or the value of a barony there.

“Baron,” Lynch shook his hand and steered the conversation. “As a young man, I support women’s rights, but my views differ from most feminists.”

“I believe women should have equal status to men and bear more responsibilities. Only then will society truly respect women’s rights instead of just granting favors.”

“Rights without responsibilities won’t earn genuine respect.”

If not for his condition, Lynch would have radiated charisma. Many female companions glanced at him. Baron Reynolds nodded approvingly.

He pointed out Lynch’s key point: “Rights and duties—you’re right. I support women’s rights. Are you recruiting female athletes for professional sports?”

The topic attracted more attention; some approached with drinks, curious.

Lynch shook his head. “Though I hate admitting it, women’s bodies are physically weaker in high-contact sports. I have no prejudice.”

Others nodded; it was common knowledge, like domestic abuse mostly perpetrated by husbands, rarely wives.

“So I plan to open professional sports for women similar to men’s and have local support.”

Baron Reynolds asked eagerly, “You mean women’s rugby?”

Lynch nodded, “Including women’s rugby.”

Reynolds looked pleased, and Lynch was unsure why. Reynolds even asked enthusiastically, “Can I join?”

“You can, but first you need a professional club and skilled athletes!” Lynch was determined to keep it serious, backed by women’s groups.

State and Baylor Federation women’s organizations recently discussed this. They saw it as a huge feminist milestone since all professional sports there were male-dominated—a blatant insult and discrimination.

Thanks to Lynch, they recognized this flaw and appreciated his plan. They intended to award him a medal for his leadership in women’s rights.

Baron Reynolds nodded, “It’s mine for sure. I’ll prepare. So, what’s next?”

Before they finished, someone whispered, “The mayor is here.” Reynolds turned slightly; a secretary slipped Lynch a card, and Lynch exchanged one.

They agreed to meet again later and turned their attention to the mayor.

The mayor looked worn out—unemployment had risen by one percent. Liston Group halted production, causing 2-3% more job losses. Sabin City’s unemployment could hit a terrifying 20% in Q4.

City order risked collapse. Last night, the governor told all mayors to send police and federal militias immediately if riots broke out. The state armed forces were ready to deploy mobile military support anytime.

All this stemmed from a protest in another state’s city yesterday afternoon, which quickly escalated into a riot.

The protesters, hungry and unemployed, suddenly began rioting—smashing, looting, and burning. The situation quickly spiraled out of control. The president’s cabinet and the defense ministry jointly issued a notice demanding all regions maintain local security and stability, authorizing military deployment if necessary.

The mayor looked even more exhausted, regretting his decision to run for office.