Chapter 229: New Friends and the Duties of Friendship

Lynch waved his hand and sent over ten vehicles. Even if they were used cars, that was still tens of thousands of Sol. Besides, Chief Felix didn’t believe Lynch would donate secondhand cars to the police—he wouldn’t lose face. From what Felix knew of Lynch, he wouldn’t do that.

Inside the station, some had complained about the limited number of cars. Each precinct had only a few, the precinct chief needed one personally, and the other captains shared one or two. Often only one or two patrol cars appeared on the streets, which was inconvenient.

Getting these ten cars wouldn’t just possibly win over the veterans; at least it would prove Lynch’s capability to improve the police’s working conditions.

Felix rubbed the back of his hand and lowered his voice slightly. “Mr. Lynch, honestly, your offer is very tempting, but I still have some doubts I hope you can clear up.”

Lynch nodded, signaling he was listening attentively.

“Let’s be frank. What do you want from me?” Felix stared into Lynch’s eyes. Lynch met his gaze without hesitation.

Felix wasn’t a typical desk-bound chief. Most police chiefs had extensive field experience because the force itself was a violent organization.

In this federation, freedom was the spirit. Anyone who got the chief position through connections wouldn’t last long.

Only those who delivered convincing results earned respect.

During his rise, Felix had confronted many criminals and seen something unique in their eyes.

Few could hold his gaze for more than ten seconds knowing his role and rank. But Lynch was different.

In Lynch’s clear eyes, there was no complexity—just calm, transparent sincerity without evasion or false toughness.

“I just want to be your friend, Chief Felix,” Lynch said, still meeting his gaze. “Everyone knows I’m a businessman. Sometimes I get into minor trouble. But if people know I have a police chief as a friend, they might think twice before doing anything foolish.”

Lynch gave a subtle compliment. “After all, everyone knows Sabin City is a crime fighter’s territory.”

Felix hadn’t accepted yet. Lynch raised the stakes.

“I heard the police have their own club?”

“That’s true.” Felix nodded. It was widely known. A few officers originally rented a place after work for cards and drinks. The club, called the Blue Club, possibly named after their uniform’s color, grew as more joined.

Now many night-shift officers spent time there after work before going home.

Lynch nodded. “I’ve seen how hard and dangerous police work is. At your call, Chief Felix, I’m willing to donate twenty thousand federal sols to the police club, to thank officers for all they do.”

He pulled out a checkbook, wrote 20,000, and signed it.

If donating cars made Felix hesitate, adding the money donation was enough to regain support within the force.

In the end, money, connections, and providing for your people earned respect.

Though he appeared hesitant, Felix had mentally agreed once Lynch signed. “I didn’t expect you to value me personally and care so much about the police. If I hesitated any longer, it would be foolish.”

He stood and shook Lynch’s hand firmly.

Just then, someone passed outside the restaurant and glanced inside, perhaps checking if it was still lively.

He didn’t see many people, as expected, but noticed an interesting scene.

A middle-aged man leaned slightly forward shaking hands with a straight-backed young man. Though the older man wasn’t bowing, he clearly didn’t want the handshake to feel like a tug—his expression showed some reluctant concession.

The passerby sighed. People no longer respected elders or life, only money and power.

Back inside, the two sat again, the check folded in a napkin and pushed forward.

With the relationship advancing, conversation became easier.

Felix arranged his napkin and picked up a fallen paper, casually asking, “Mr. Lynch, you’ve done so much for me and the police. What can I do in return?”

He chuckled, “Helping each other is what friends do.” But really, he sought reassurance.

He feared that if one day he forgot this favor and Lynch asked something impossible, it would be torment.

Lynch smiled. “I want to know why the police withdrew from Gap’s house.”

Felix froze mid-motion, his previous enthusiasm gone, replaced by a heavy expression.

His hands hung by his sides; tilting his head, he studied Lynch, wondering why he asked.

Their eyes met—Lynch’s gaze as simple, clear, and transparent as before.

The clearer it was, the colder it felt.

When someone hides their true emotions perfectly, that person is most dangerous.

“May I ask why you’re interested in this?” Felix admitted he couldn’t read Lynch at all.

Lynch smirked. “I don’t care if Gap is dead or alive. But his wife is my personal accountant and company finance manager. I don’t want any trouble affecting her. I hope you understand.”

Whether from understanding Lynch’s words or simply placating him, Felix’s tense face relaxed slightly.

He hesitated, then told a story. “When I was just a regular officer, I ran into some trouble.”

“You know, the FBI loves to swoop in after we gather evidence and take cases from us…”

In the Baylor Federation, the federal police and FBI had a love-hate relationship for years. The police created special offices to counter FBI interference, like the Major Crimes Unit and Economic Crimes Investigation.

These agencies competed fiercely—sometimes cooperating, often sabotaging each other. The higher-ups usually let them fight it out.

Some even believed this internal competition helped solve cases and benefited the system.

“At that time, I happened on a case and met Mr. Neo, who helped me solve it before the FBI wolves could interfere.”

He pressed his lips together, “I’ve known Mr. Neo for a while. He’s a good man who helped me when I needed it.”

Lynch already knew the outcome. He nodded, seeming to agree with Chief Felix. “So when he needs help, you’ll assist him too.”

Chief Felix nodded solemnly. “That’s what I mean—friends should help each other.”

After the last word faded, silence lingered between them for a moment. Then Lynch shifted the topic. “Did you know I started a women’s professional football team?”

The sudden change made Felix realize Lynch had gotten what he wanted, and the atmosphere relaxed.

A smile appeared on Felix’s face. “Yes, I’ve heard. And I heard the women dress pretty lightly during practice?”

Lynch gave a knowing smile that every man would understand. Felix found it remarkable how Lynch could shift his expression anytime, letting people glimpse his inner thoughts—it wasn’t easy.

“I’m organizing a match with the Fox family’s team next week. I hope you can come.”

Without hesitation, Felix agreed. “No problem. Can I bring some people with me?”

The mood grew even friendlier, like that of true friends.