Chapter 191: How to Generate Profit

It had been a week since Lynch arrived in Eminence, and he hadn’t yet spent all the money in his pocket. Spending it proved far harder than he expected.

Around six in the evening, Lynch took a car to a manor on the outskirts of Eminence. Manson accompanied him as the intermediary, along with Vera.

As an outsider, Lynch needed to appear formal at local social gatherings to better integrate into the local circles.

Respect is the foundation of social interaction. Lynch’s serious and respectful demeanor quickly opened doors for him here.

At events like this, a female companion was also important.

Vera was reluctant to come, worried her presence with Lynch might cause misunderstandings. But Lynch said if she didn’t attend, he’d have to rent some girls, so she reluctantly agreed.

When they arrived, the party hadn’t started yet. It was an outdoor event, with staff setting up. Some guests were already chatting nearby.

Lynch’s arrival caught their attention. A smiling man approached and introduced himself as Herbert, the host. “You must be Lynch!”

Herbert spoke with certainty. Two days earlier, he had seen pictures of Lynch in newspapers and already admired the young man’s impressive achievements in the small city of Sabin.

He respected Lynch’s adventurous spirit, which transcended personal preferences.

Every finance professional is told when entering this field that investment and speculation are risks. Only those with true adventurous spirit can create miracles. Lynch was such a man.

That was why Herbert invited him—to discuss a meeting that could potentially change a nation.

Lynch shook Herbert’s hand, and Herbert introduced others.

Not all were locals; many came from elsewhere, all drawn by the same idea—buying bonds here was easier.

“Before you arrived, we were just talking about something interesting…” Herbert was friendly and easygoing, pulling Lynch into their conversation, which made others laugh.

Herbert laughed too. “Just days ago, we each thought we were the only ones with this idea. Turns out, many share it.”

“It’s surprising, and inspiring!”

His tone rose, drawing glances from fashionable women nearby. They shifted their chatter from movies and trends to Lynch.

Most women here were in their thirties or forties, an age when many are drawn to young men.

Lynch looked mature, even wore old-fashioned clothes, but his youth was obvious. Some whispered to Vera, wondering if she played a mentor role in his life.

The women’s candid conversations surprised many men. Vera blushed deeply, feeling she shouldn’t have come.

She was embarrassed by their blunt questions, unsure how to respond without seeming cold. Otherwise, they might blame Lynch for not bringing a more suitable companion, feeling insulted.

Suddenly, the women’s exclamations drew the men’s attention.

Herbert glanced back at the lively women and smiled. “Women are like that!”

His tone carried slight disdain and indifference, revealing the men’s deep-rooted machismo. They raised their glasses in agreement.

More guests arrived, and Herbert finally spoke about the gathering’s purpose.

“Whether early or late, our goals are the same.”

“To find a way to make these worthless bonds valuable again.”

“Initially, I saw this as a risky speculation, attracted only by the high returns. But knowing so many share my view greatly boosts our chances.”

Surrounded by others, Herbert radiated confidence. He was a renowned financier in Eminence, famous for his vision and tactics.

His specialty was uncovering hidden treasures and selling them at a premium.

He was most known for his skill in breaking up companies, a method that earned him significant wealth. A loyal group of investors followed him, firmly believing he’d keep working miracles.

Many had invested in this bond acquisition too, strengthening his confidence.

“One person’s strength is limited, but ten, a hundred people’s strength is limitless!”

Everyone, including Lynch, nodded. Herbert’s repeated success gave him a unique charisma that inspired others to believe in success.

“This party’s purpose is to promote cooperation. With shared goals, we can exchange ideas and find common ground.”

He scanned the group. “Who wants to start?”

About twenty men were present. The mood was relaxed but no one stepped forward.

Herbert was patient, ready to speak himself if needed, demonstrating generosity and selflessness.

After a tense pause, Lynch stood.

“If no one else, I’ll share my thoughts.” His genuine smile was hard to refuse. Herbert nodded.

With no objections, Lynch began.

“I’m buying bonds now because of their return rate…”

“Returns dozens of times over can create astonishing wealth. I’ve heard that when returns pass a certain threshold, merchants will take huge risks chasing them.”

“Some say we’re like people selling the rope to their executioners. I don’t agree.”

Herbert smiled faintly, unreadable. Others laughed, but Lynch’s words soon stifled them.

“If the returns are that great, what can stop us?” Lynch held his glass, slicked-back hair, and outdated clothes couldn’t hide his youth, yet his expression felt like facing an old villain.

“To prevent our investments from stalling or dying, we must actively push some things forward.”

“The Conservative Party’s foolish policies gave us this chance. If we can help the new cabinet and the international community restore relations, these bonds will regain their value.”

“There are things beyond our control, but some things—that’s where we excel!”

Herbert nodded slightly, noticing the key phrase in Lynch’s words: new cabinet.

That was also his thinking. Manipulating voters would be easier in the next decade than ever before.

As long as workers were given a meal, they would vote for the employer’s chosen candidate, overthrow the old president and cabinet, elect a new government that serves everyone’s interests, restore international relations, and yield returns dozens of times greater.

Isn’t that the ultimate goal every businessman and capitalist tirelessly pursues?

Of course, some found Lynch’s idea… unbelievable, or even shocking.

A blond man in his forties voiced a different view. “Mr. Lynch, your ideas are constructive, but we don’t yet know how much effort this will take.”

“Besides, the next election is two years away. These bonds piled up in our hands mean losses every single day.”

“My idea is simpler.”

“The world war severely damaged almost every country, and they urgently need funds to rebuild—that’s part of why they defaulted.”

“They can’t fully pay us back, but what if we try another approach?”

His words subtly guided the group, drawing their full attention. “We invest our money in their postwar reconstruction, exchanging that for their promise to honor these bonds.”

“We gain profits from rebuilding while making the bonds valuable again, without offending any regime. I believe this is the best approach.”

The blond man’s idea quickly gained some support. It was safer and gentler, not as extreme as Lynch’s plan.

But then, someone else proposed a completely different idea—proof that some people’s thinking is truly unconventional.