Chapter 243: Lynch, the Noble Man with Grand Ambitions

Lynch politely listened to the vice president’s pitch for about seven or eight minutes, then shook his head apologetically. “Sorry, I don’t plan to increase my investment in this area right now, and…”

He glanced toward the Foxes standing nearby, then smiled and said, “I invest in people, not companies. Sorry.”

The vice president expressed regret politely, accepted the refusal, and gracefully left.

Due to the financial crisis, large companies suffered more than many smaller ones. Surprise Box’s investments outside the entertainment industry were nearly wiped out.

This strained their cash flow. To avoid company troubles, finding new investors and cash was essential.

The entertainment industry was in a strange state. Although the Federation government had relaxed many related policies, investors were more cautious than ever.

Many could easily list reasons why entertainment would be the next growth point for the Federation’s economy—but still wouldn’t invest.

They were watching, unwilling to invest until they were sure it would be profitable and not a loss. Having suffered in the securities market before, the pain lingered, keeping them cautious.

After the vice president left, Lynch’s companion finished chatting with some other women and returned.

By etiquette, they came together and had to leave together; anyone leaving alone would be seen as rude or cause gossip.

The girl didn’t want to become the latest joke in the entertainment circle, while Lynch didn’t really care, though he preferred not to be negative gossip.

They stood close but said little, making the girl feel awkward. Normally, two people would chat naturally, at least like a normal couple.

After a moment, she decided to break the silence. “Lynch, do you watch movies?”

Most people here would say yes—after all, this was Lardimore, the heart of the film industry.

If Lynch said yes, she could extend the conversation—talk about his favorite genres, actors she knew, or share theater jokes—making the mood less awkward.

Unexpectedly, Lynch shook his head. “I don’t watch movies.”

Her smile froze briefly; she adjusted her hair accessory to hide her embarrassment.

She felt she couldn’t continue the conversation—he had killed the topic.

Lynch understood what she was trying to do but wasn’t interested. After everything in his past life, relationships between men and women no longer captured his attention.

He pursued higher achievements beyond fleeting, empty pleasures.

Money, power, status, and every success.

A successful man should command the world at his fingertips; only losers linger in vulgar pleasures. Lynch was a refined man.

The dull reception finally ended after over half an hour. Lynch and the girl left together.

They stopped first at the girl’s residence, then Lynch was driven back to his hotel.

He wouldn’t leave for another three days. In the Baylor Federation, the first three days’ box office usually reflected a film’s total normal earnings. People had scientific methods to calculate this.

Though not perfectly precise, it was close enough.

Not only Lynch and the Foxes but the whole industry awaited this New Year’s first release.

Early the next morning, after working out at the hotel gym, Lynch ran into Fox Jr. in the hallway. The boy couldn’t contain his smile, which grew wider on seeing Lynch.

He laughed aloud—rude, but at this moment, no one cared.

“The presale box office is out—490,000, 30% above the distributor’s forecast!” Fox Jr. was overly excited but understandably so.

The film’s investment wasn’t large—total costs under 750,000, with shooting only a small part; most went to promotion and distribution.

Even if sales were average, Lynch’s team wouldn’t lose money. They held agreements for the female lead’s next five adult films, which would sell well.

But what they really wanted was success—regardless of money—a pure pursuit of achievement.

Soon, Mr. Fox and the female lead appeared in the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

Privately, Mr. Fox told Lynch he admired the young woman’s vitality.

He had spoken to Fox Jr., who wouldn’t get a new stepmother or share their money. However, during their relationship, Mr. Fox wanted his son to maintain respect for the girl.

This wasn’t a rule but a desire to avoid ethical trouble.

Who knew the Federation was a corrupt society? Everyone, including itself, hid behind moral pretenses to avoid being outcasts—fitting in was the rule.

As for the girl?

She’d strip on screen for money; why not lie next to a rich man for it?

Mr. Fox wasn’t old—only in his forties, well-kept and younger than his years, making it fitting.

Everyone was in high spirits during the meal. The Foxes’ enthusiasm came from expected profits, and the actress was excited about becoming a star—even an adult star meant doubling her income.

She could strip less, earn more, maybe even publish a book titled Putting Clothes On.

“The distributor’s strategy team told me our final box office might reach four to five million, with us taking about 1.5 to 1.7 million,” Fox Jr. said, now calmer.

After expenses, their minimum profit on this film would be…

He struggled with numbers but estimated about 600,000.

He added, “That’s an amazing return. We spent just over three months—almost 100% ROI. Maybe we’ll invest more in this industry.”

Lynch nodded noncommittally. With his 30% stake, he’d make about 180,000—a nice income for doing nothing.

Mr. Fox didn’t immediately agree but looked to Lynch. Instead of deciding alone, he wanted the opinion of a smart man.

Lynch understood Mr. Fox’s look. He pulled a five-Sol bill from his pocket and handed it to the girl. “Go buy me a pack of cigarettes outside.”

The girl glanced at Mr. Fox, then stood up, twisting her waist with a smile as she took the money from Lynch and left.

She knew she wasn’t meant to hear what came next, which sparked new thoughts within her.

Suddenly, the easy money didn’t seem so sweet. This girl, who relied on stripping for cash, inexplicably longed for respect—even if it meant quietly staying on the sidelines.

For those lacking control and depth, success might be an even more dangerous poison than failure.

After the girl left and no one was nearby, Lynch tore some bread and said, “You can start by acquiring some comic and novel publishers, mainly for the copyrights of their literary and comic works.”

“Compared to creating something new from scratch, works with established fan bases and devoted followers turned into movies offer clearer, more immediate returns. At least they ensure we won’t suffer heavy losses.”

“But don’t invest too much here, and avoid acquiring works that are…” Lynch searched for the right words, “… difficult to express with current technology. Like Magic Knight or similar. We either can’t do proper lighting effects yet or it would require more investment, and those we don’t need.”

“Popular, simple, straightforward, with clear love and hate conflicts. Also, don’t skip adult versions. Ideally, the actors we bring in should be willing to perform in adult scenes…”

The Foxes concentrated hard, trying to remember everything Lynch said, who generously shared his insights.

No truly successful person keeps all benefits to themselves. Those who try only thrive in novels; in real life, they lead colorful lives.

As for the modest profits in the Federation’s entertainment industry, Lynch didn’t care. His eyes were already set on international trade and various plunders.

A blockbuster movie would never earn as much as plundering a nation’s wealth.

Not before, not now, and never.