Chapter 19: I’m a Straightforward Person Who Doesn’t Lie

The Baylor Federal Tax Bureau was the first authority to use photosensitive materials for investigative work, which was surprising but true.

Since the invention of mercury lamps, some photosensitive materials have been mainly used in printing and dyeing industries. The Federal Tax Bureau and the Federal Mint also extensively use these materials, so much so that people often don’t realize the bills and coins they hold are already marked.

These marks become completely visible under ultraviolet light.

He was satisfied that this batch of coins bore no marks, meaning no one was targeting him.

Lynch had considered this from the perspective of the Federal Tax Bureau. If they wanted to catch him, how would they do it?

The answer was simple: use methods approved by the FBI or the Sabin City judicial system to color some coins, then channel them into Lynch’s hands, eventually flowing into Mr. Fox’s laundromat.

At that point, neither Lynch nor Fox could explain why so many marked coins appeared there. They could alter dates on key evidence, and the entire criminal chain would be complete—allowing all involved to be caught at once. Though simple, it was effective, at least in Lynch’s view.

Whether it was a high schooler like himself just entering society, or someone like Mr. Fox with some street experience but little wisdom, neither could match technological advances.

They wouldn’t realize their money was marked until they faced the court and understood why they fell.

Turning off the ultraviolet light, Lynch scratched his head, poured the coins into another metal box, and poured cleaning agent over them.

Some marks reveal themselves under UV light, others require chemical treatment to become visible. Cleaning them was easy with chemical solvents.

Whether the marks existed or the cleaning worked didn’t matter. Lynch felt this wasn’t excessive caution but necessary prudence—especially for deals that might send him to jail.

Afterwards, he spread some coins on a sieve to dry, preparing to go out. He still had tasks to finish, like finding a coin sorter.

Since this was a legal business exploiting a loophole, it needed to appear more legitimate. Sorting coins would help.

Sabin City had many blacksmith shops. Many might think blacksmiths were medieval relics unfit for a modern city, but every city still had several, and their business was steady.

One reason was some anti-intellectual groups believed hand-forged metal products were better than machine-made ones because they contained the craftsman’s spirit.

Another was not everyone could afford molds for mass production; many just needed one or a few custom items, ensuring blacksmiths’ survival.

Around Lynch’s warehouse office were some blacksmith shops located a bit away from the city center to avoid Environmental Agency interference and reduce rent.

After asking three blacksmiths, none had heard of a coin sorter or had one. Lynch realized he’d overlooked something: he needed to patent it.

Patents were special. If ordinary people held many key patents, they might lose protection unexpectedly due to bizarre accidents wiping out their families.

But in capable hands, patents were gold mines.

While planning to register the patent and hire a lawyer, Lynch soon returned to the office. Near noon, a woman around thirty with glasses and freckles arrived.

Her dress was not fashionable but tasteful, clearly middle class. Her clothes would never appear on lower or working-class people.

“Hello, I’m Lynch,” he said, extending his hand. His handsome appearance and unique aura made it easy to connect. The young woman offered her hand with little reserve and introduced herself.

“Hello, Vera!”

Lynch quickly withdrew his hand, invited Vera into his office, and poured instant coffee. “Sorry, this place just got set up; no time to decorate yet. I hope you don’t mind…”

Vera graciously understood. Lynch then explained the company’s nature and operations. She listened carefully and asked questions.

After about half an hour and some coffee, Vera looked relaxed. “I think I understand, Mr. Lynch. I must say you have a clear financial audit concept. So, will you hire our firm for bookkeeping or employ a full-time accountant?”

She added, “Rest assured, our firm has legal advisors and signs confidentiality agreements, never disclosing financial info without your permission.”

“I personally prefer bookkeeping services, which save you significant costs. Many startups choose this.”

Lynch smiled but didn’t answer, instead teasing, “Are all accountants in your firm as beautiful as you?”

Vera blushed, lowered her head, adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses to hide her embarrassment and surprise, then shot Lynch a glance.

Her flushed cheeks and sultry look made Lynch laugh. “Sorry, no offense. I’m not frivolous. It’s like the ancient Greeks seeing the goddess of beauty—they couldn’t help but sing praises when faced with something wonderful. I hope you forgive me.”

Vera felt pleased but sensed the atmosphere shift. As she stood to leave, Lynch apologized sincerely for his earlier remark.

“I forgive you…” Vera seemed moved by his sincerity or reluctant to trouble a handsome young man. She also added, “…and I’m not really pretty.”

Lynch’s amused gaze stirred an indescribable feeling in her. Hormones surged, quickening her breath.

Touching her flushed face, she averted her eyes. “You still haven’t answered, Mr. Lynch. Which cooperation method will you choose?”

After a thoughtful pause, Lynch said, “Maybe I need a full-time accountant, Ms. Vera.”

Vera was surprised. Most small businesses opt for bookkeeping services; a full-time accountant’s salary equals almost two regular employees, a major expense for startups.

She expected Lynch to pick the cheaper option but instead chose full-time immediately, stirring a ridiculous yet quickly realized thought.

“But I have one condition: I want that person to be you!”