Chapter 244: Glory and Fishing by the Lake

The presale and opening day box office gave the Foxes a good experience—easy, clean money—and they gained the attention of celebrities and producers.

More than the wealth, they enjoyed telling others they had taken the first step into high society.

Soon, the father and son would become part of that elite.

This was a strange culture or mindset in the Baylor Federation. Most people aimed for wealth, but entering high society was perhaps the ultimate goal.

Many young, beautiful women didn’t hesitate to shed reputations like slut to join high society as socialites.

This odd aspiration was the ultimate dream of most in the Federation: to mingle daily with the powerful and famous, chatting and laughing as if that were the best life.

The Foxes once shared this view, which was why Mr. Fox sent his son to school. But they realized that without a strong background, even with education, it was hard to enter that world. So the son returned to work in the family business.

Now everything changed. They walked the red carpet, basked in spotlights, laughed with others, and were even laughed at for their humor. It was amazing.

Beyond that, the film’s full release brought surprisingly positive feedback.

Despite harsh criticism from some reviewers, word-of-mouth created a unique appeal.

For many fans, watching the actress’s body was an irresistible lure, even if she wasn’t famous.

Box office soared, and the production company secured five filming contracts. Following Lynch’s advice to the Foxes, even with prior adult film agreements, they signed tiered or performance-based contracts to protect their interests.

The father, son, and lead actress enjoyed great fame. Over three days, their box office data made them the most popular figures in Lardimore.

Every day, producers, companies, directors, writers, and actresses came seeking their help.

From small-budget projects to cultural exchanges for uncertain promises, everyone benefited.

The box office success led the distributor to add 350,000 federal sols for larger promotion.

To boost publicity, they used unprecedented yet tempting tactics—like dinners with lucky fans and the lead actress, or exclusive, adult-themed artistic dance shows—igniting a niche market.

Some fans spent all their disposable income repeatedly buying tickets just to meet the lead actress, money that ended up in the pockets of the Foxes and Lynch.

Three days passed quickly. Lardimore went wild over what some saw as a vulgar trash film, and capital began to selectively invest. The city came alive.

The Federal Film magazine published an article titled The Age of Vulgarity.

“…Even knowing it’s a crude film for lustful desires, you have to admit it revitalized the Federation’s film industry.”

“More projects are attracting capital, official productions have started casting—reminding me of Lardimore five years ago, when cameras and crews filled the streets and filmmaking became part of life and blood.”

“I’m glad our normal life has returned.”

“I’m also sad, because no one knows if the coming era belongs to art or vulgarity.”

While the Foxes reveled in the life all Federation people dreamed of, Lynch quietly returned to Sabin City. There was nothing left for him there.

His first act back was to meet George.

Due to distrust from branch and headquarters, George’s power was greatly reduced. He was now a marginal figure in the bank.

In the past, everyone greeted him warmly, which brightened his mood. Now, most avoided eye contact or barely nodded.

This gap upset him. Some praised his work, others suppressed him. It seemed ridiculous.

But for a small man like him, it was fate he had to accept.

They met at a lakeside villa. Since the big strike, George’s family had moved there. The once quiet area had grown lively as wealthy people sought safety, hiring armed guards to protect the community.

There was a deeper meaning: if anything serious happened, guards could shoot intruders, and social connections could cover it up easily.

They met in the afternoon. Lynch found George fishing by the lake, looking drained, like a retired old man killing time waiting to die.

“Fishing is fun!” George said without turning around, eyes on the rippling water. “Fish are fattest now, after storing fat all autumn. The oil seeps into every muscle.”

Lynch looked at the water, feeling nothing. “I thought you didn’t like freshwater fish. I don’t know what fish these are, but freshwater fish have many bones.”

George carelessly secured his rod, stretched his shoulders, “My servant picks out the bones. To me, freshwater or saltwater fish is the same.”

After some small talk, George asked bluntly, “What can I do for you? But you know, my value is limited now. If I can’t help, sorry for wasting your trip.”

Lynch shook his head, “You can help. Didn’t you say the branch assigned you an assistant?”

George’s expression flickered slightly, hiding his displeasure. “Yes. Want his contact?”

Lynch smiled, “No. I meant, why do you think he wouldn’t support you?”

George nearly blurted, “He was sent to oppose me…”

Lynch nodded without comment, “No permanent enemies, only eternal interests, Mr. George, my friend.”

“If you don’t try, you get nothing. If you try, at least there’s a chance. Right?”

George stared at Lynch, then avoided the topic rooted deep inside him. “Tell me your goal. Maybe I can help.”

Lynch stopped beating around the bush, “Liston Group can’t escape. I’ll push this. I’ve reached agreements with some. Part of Liston’s assets will be auctioned to raise compensation for workers injured or disabled over the years.”

“I must ensure the auction prices aren’t too high—and I’m the only bidder.”

George frowned. In the Baylor Federation, judicial auctions were basically handled by banks, and courts rarely intervened to avoid corruption.

He used to control these matters, but now his power was stripped. Without his assistant’s approval, many things couldn’t be done.

His expression grew heavier and more serious. After a long pause, he shook his head. “I hinted at some things, you know, but his stance is firm. Maybe the higher-ups want him to replace me.”

If the bank branch truly planned this, trying to win him over would be a joke.

Lynch wasn’t surprised. He put it another way, “If you can’t win him over, can’t you destroy him?”

“Everyone has weaknesses. Some you use to gain allies, because you can help them overcome those weaknesses.”

“But some weaknesses are meant to be exploited to destroy.”

He glanced at the lake’s suddenly rippling surface. “Your fish is biting!”