Chapter 22: All for Work

After accepting the job offer, Vera quickly packed her things and left with Lynch. There wasn’t much—just some office supplies like rulers, erasers, various pens, and bookkeeping tools.

Before Lynch hired her, she worked here as a part-timer. It sounded cheap, and it was. When the firm needed work, they’d notify her, and she’d come in to work. Her monthly earnings weren’t much.

Most firms save costs by training newcomers. Accountants like Vera, with some experience, usually only handle final audits—a brief process.

The real long-term work is done by the newcomers, who don’t get high pay, saving the firm a lot.

When Lynch brought Vera back to the warehouse, Richard and two others were already waiting, each carrying huge backpacks, looking exhausted.

“You’re finally here, boss…” Richard sighed in relief. Carrying thousands in cash isn’t easy, but leaving it on the ground isn’t safe.

Security in Sabin City is limited to the downtown area. Outside the center, police presence is sparse, so response times are slow.

The warehouse area is such a place. If the three hadn’t stood together, one might have left early.

Lynch nodded, opened the side door of the warehouse, switched on all the lights, and while heading to the office, introduced Vera to everyone.

Having an accountant like her eased the nervousness of Richard and the others—no shell company hires a full-time accountant.

Lynch also explained their main business: coin exchange services.

“My salespeople collect coins from outside and bring them here. Then companies or individuals exchange coins with us at a certain ratio, and I earn the difference. That’s my main business…”

Vera listened carefully since this would be her primary task for some time. Lynch continued, “You don’t need to worry about my taxes. You know…” He glanced around their shabby office and smirked, “The city hall encourages micro-enterprises like ours and exempts us from taxes. We just need to file properly, no tax evasion.”

In truth, there is no legal versus illegal tax evasion—it’s all tax evasion. So why are some prosecuted and others not?

It’s simple. Those caught use crude methods, employ unprofessional accountants, and lack caution. Combined with the federal tax system’s normal operation, they inevitably get caught.

Those who evade taxes successfully have spent huge sums greasing the wheels or even influenced local laws.

The cost of legal tax evasion is too high for Lynch now. With micro-enterprise exemptions, before federal tax agencies notice him, he doesn’t have to worry.

“By the way, before registering the company, I did some similar business and have some money. Can I include it in the upcoming accounts?”

Vera was momentarily surprised. She had never heard of someone so eager to report taxes. Previously, clients tried every trick to pay less, even one Sol less was a victory.

Her surprise faded quickly; professionalism took over as she adjusted her glasses, “Of course…”

She paused, then added, “I think you should customize a set of invoices. The tax system requires supporting documents. Having a legal and complete invoicing system makes everything easier!”

From Vera’s explanation, Lynch learned that this world has no traditional invoices but a judicially recognized registered receipt system.

Any registered company can pay the tax bureau to apply for their own registered receipts. Although it seems bureaucratic, it isn’t.

You submit your receipt design to the federal tax bureau. Once approved and a sample is kept, you can use it.

Receipt printing is done by semi-official printing agencies cooperating with tax authorities, who code each receipt to ensure legality.

How the receipts are filled out depends entirely on personal integrity.

Sometimes Lynch felt he liked this world: it had high standards, education, and self-discipline.

“This is great, you solved many of my problems!” Lynch suddenly grabbed Vera’s hand, then quickly let go before she could react.

It seemed a momentary impulse that might be misunderstood. Even Vera felt Lynch didn’t mean it deliberately, and if she overthought it, she’d seem too concerned.

She suppressed her unfounded suspicions and smiled at him.

“You really are my angel. Dinner tonight?” He pulled a chair beside her.

A faint, refined perfume wafted from Lynch—subtle and elegant, always reminding those affected of its presence.

He had bought it last night. For the middle class, style maximizes sensory impressions. After briefly observing Vera, he chose a light men’s scent.

The classic woody aroma blended with lively fruit notes—a strange mix that highlighted Lynch’s unique, contradictory charm, which was captivating.

Before she could respond, Lynch added, “For our work, the first day, shouldn’t we have a meal together?”

It was hard to refuse that. She hesitated, thinking long, then said, “I need to talk to my family first. You know, I’m married and have a child…”

Lynch showed no disappointment, just nodded, “No problem, I’ll wait! Also, I have other work matters to discuss with you.”