Chapter 261: Empty Words and Real Work

Severella confirmed she could accompany Lynch to the event while arranging for someone to investigate Lynch’s identity and whether he had actually received an invitation to the president’s celebration.

For influential forces at a certain level, such an inquiry was as simple as making a phone call.

Soon, Severella got a satisfactory answer: Mr. Lynch from Sabin City had indeed received an invitation to the president’s celebration, including an invitation to attend with a female companion.

Severella also learned a bit about Lynch’s current business and why he was invited by the president.

Her curiosity faded after learning about Lynch’s existing ventures — they were too insignificant to interest her.

For a girl like her, conversations at home revolved around large enterprises. A small company with a net worth possibly under ten million, like Lynch’s, wasn’t worth her attention.

No one cared about starting from scratch stories; beggars or street car washers could claim the same, but people only paid attention to wealth first, then how it was earned. People wanted to learn from success, not failure.

Overall, though, this was a good opportunity.

On the same day the matter was confirmed, Lynch bought a ticket to Eminence and expected to arrive tomorrow morning or noon.

Honestly, federal transportation was very inconvenient, making Lynch consider investing in airplane development to become among the first to enjoy air travel.

After arranging other affairs, Lynch traveled alone to Eminence, arriving the next afternoon, about three hours later than planned.

The delay was because the train conductor, feeling sleepy, stopped at a small station for over four hours to rest. Fortunately, no bandits took advantage of the halt. Lynch was relieved when the train finally resumed.

Though civilization had arrived, some vestiges of the past’s barbarism remained.

Upon arrival, Lynch took a car to the Eminence Hotel, the designated lodging for event guests.

There, Lynch met Severella, carrying a suitcase. She was very beautiful — children from upper-class families rarely looked unattractive. Their power and wealth allowed them to select the best genes for their offspring; Severella was a perfect example.

She was about 5’8” tall, with golden-brown hair, deep blue eyes, delicate features, and fair skin.

Wearing a sable fur hat and white leather fur coat, she looked like a winter spirit — clean and perfect.

Seeing Lynch, she waved with surprise. “You’re even more handsome than the photos in the newspapers!”

Lynch shook her hand, noticing how long, soft, and well-maintained her fingers were. Surprisingly, she had no long nails or nail polish.

“You’re beautiful too, Miss Severella.”

“Call me Ella, we talked about this on the phone!” Perhaps impressed by Lynch’s looks, Severella corrected something she hadn’t considered.

Lynch smiled, called her Ella, and glanced at her suitcase. She noticed and half-turned, motioning for Lynch to follow inside.

“The president’s celebration vehicles will pick us up here. Someone will handle everything — escort us from our rooms to the vehicles, then to the venue.”

“We can’t start from elsewhere or join the convoy midway. This ensures the president’s security, so we’ll need to stay together in one room these two days.”

Severella said casually, “Of course, if you think I’ll share a bed with you, you’re dead wrong.”

It was a dull joke; Lynch didn’t mind.

They entered the elevator. Severella reached out, “Can I see the invitation?”

“Of course.” Lynch handed it over. After a quick glance, she pressed a floor button and returned the invitation, explaining, “We’re already in the pre-event phase.”

“It shows our floor and designated dining area. Tonight, we’ll meet other guests invited by the president. If you find someone interesting, you can chat. It’s a warm-up for the main event.”

Such presidential events invited people nationwide, even from abroad. Most only knew each other by name.

Without this warm-up, the event would be cold and stiff — no one wanted to offend others in front of the public, media, and president, so topics and interactions would be cautious.

That would leave the venue lifeless, with everyone sticking to their spots.

This pre-event meet-and-greet helped break the ice, letting people form social circles and creating a lively atmosphere.

Led by a waiter who was obviously an undercover federal agent, they reached their suite. The agent’s identity was obvious due to the federal people’s distinctive aura.

Often, undercover agents were newbies or students without the usual arrogance, making them harder to spot — like Wood, who was studying closely around Lynch.

Inside the suite, Severella assigned rooms. It was spacious, with multiple bedrooms, a living room, and a study.

Afterward, she asked Lynch to show his clothes.

Seeing only two outfits, she mildly complained, “You need at least four or five sets plus accessories. The one you’re wearing can’t be worn again before the event ends.”

Looking seriously at Lynch, she suddenly asked, “You don’t think I’m… annoying, do you?” — making a chirping gesture.

Lynch shook his head. “That’s why I invited you. I’ve never attended such events and need someone experienced.”

Severella sighed in relief. “We’ll make you two new outfits. The dark one you brought is good — keep that for the event. But you need two sets for socializing at the hotel.”

“No problem. I’ll get the tailor here soon and a designer to style you!” She smiled. “You look way too old-fashioned now.”

From then on, Lynch was like a doll in her hands, quickly transformed and shining.

The designer Severella hired was among the best in Eminence and the federation. He easily found Lynch’s strength.

As Tony, the designer, said, youth and handsomeness were Lynch’s greatest edge — that’s what should be highlighted.

Being low-key and steady didn’t fit this occasion; no one would remember him for that, only forget him.

But they would remember a striking young man standing out at the president’s event.By dinner, Lynch had completed his transformation. After dining in the hall, he exchanged business cards with many people, some frequently seen on TV.

With the girl’s help, Lynch easily made connections, especially after people learned her father was Mr. Wadrick. Their attitude toward Lynch and the girl became even warmer.

The socializing lasted until 9:30 p.m., when everyone returned to their rooms. This routine would continue for another day.

The next day was much the same. People ate breakfast in their rooms, then had lunch and dinner in the restaurant.

After meals, they went to nearby bars or lounges to chat. Lynch couldn’t help but recall a philosopher’s view of high society socializing — they never did anything practical; their only job was to stand together boasting and spouting meaningless nonsense to showcase their prestige. The most ridiculous part was that this group of idle people always demanded laborers work according to their methods.