Chapter 280: Mobilization, Discharge

February’s temperature gradually began to rise; the harsh winter was nearly over.

The trial concerning the Lystoan Group had also begun. For some involved individuals—not the key figures—the proceedings were already concluded.

The lawsuit against Vera had also gone through its legal process. She didn’t realize the materials she had gathered were considered important evidence. Coupled with Gap’s confession that he had deceived her, the state prosecutor’s case was ultimately dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

It seemed as though everything had come to an end. On the surface, that was the case, and Lynch’s various businesses continued to grow steadily.

Following the successful government auction of second-hand goods, people once again witnessed the power of the times.

Items that were once casually discarded at doorsteps or thrown into dumpsters could now fetch a price. A wave of second-hand trade began to rise throughout the Federation.

Under Lynch’s leadership, a new company was spun off from Interstellar Trade specifically to handle second-hand goods. Many people invested in it—some with cash, others with land. Lynch only wanted those two things.

In the current murky climate, people weren’t trying to make money with their capital but simply preserve its value. That was all they asked for.

The companies under Lynch clearly offered this security. Even if they didn’t generate huge profits, they were safe.

Most investors understood that Lynch’s business had limitations. The second-hand trade boomed only during economic downturns.

Once the economy recovered, people would revert to tossing out old things with a Free sign and a Sol attached, then eagerly head to the mall to buy something new.

By then, the second-hand trade would naturally lose its appeal—but who cared?

They just wanted to survive the winter. After that, they would quickly part ways with Lynch’s company. This was their plan, and Lynch knew it well. That’s why he insisted on cash or land instead of stock swaps.

In February, the Federation’s newly inaugurated president welcomed the first state visit in years.

Gephra sent its Prime Minister to visit the Baylor Federation.

Gephra was a monarchy. In past years, the Federation had boycotted them, mainly because of their autocratic political system.

Back then, the Federation’s spirit of liberty stood in stark contrast to Gephra’s feudal rigidity. Some used that contrast to highlight the Federation’s ideals, labeling Gephra backward and foolish—though the reality was quite different.

What no one expected was how quickly things could change. The President personally greeted Gephra’s Prime Minister at the port, and it seemed even winter had bloomed into a sea of flowers.

Allegedly, at the request of the President’s Chief of Cabinet, a welcoming ceremony was arranged.

People didn’t really know how to organize such events; the last foreign visits were decades ago and no longer relevant. They consulted with some businessmen and came up with the idea—flowers.

Children stood at the freezing port, holding bouquets as they waved in the sea breeze that could kill a homeless man. The floral scent overpowered the fishy air. The Prime Minister visibly froze for a moment upon disembarking.

Sharp-eyed reporters caught that moment. On the evening news, anchors across networks framed it as: The Federation’s fiery passion swept away the cold winds of the Eastern Ocean and warmed the heart of the visiting Prime Minister.

In truth, the Prime Minister had a moment of doubt—had he boarded the wrong ship? His impression of the Federation was one of isolation and inexplicable arrogance, even greater than that of a monarchy.

The reception caught him off guard. When he came to, he resolved to reprimand his foreign affairs team—their assessment of the Federation was clearly off.

But none of this showed on his face. He greeted the President warmly and began work that first day, laying the groundwork for political, military, and commercial cooperation.

The entire Federation watched the visit with great interest. Everyone knew that these developments represented the country’s future.

People were anxious. After hiding in their comfort zone for so long, they couldn’t hide anymore. Like socially anxious loners, they both feared and longed for the outside world.

Lynch also followed the visit closely. That night, every media outlet and hungry citizen focused on Gephra’s Prime Minister. Every other topic was drowned out.

During a commercial break, Lynch leaned back slightly in relief.

He wasn’t alone—Asel was with him. Lynch had asked him over to watch and to assign him a task.

Before that, he asked about Asel’s father. “How’s Mr. Nail doing?”

“Mr. Nail knows his work inside and out. He’s already drafted a plan for the new project—we just need to tweak it a little!”

Asel’s tone was full of admiration. “I’m not trying to flatter him, Mr. Lynch, but Mr. Nail seems naturally gifted. It’s as if he was born for this kind of work!”

Gifted? No, this was just the helplessness of ordinary people. To survive, they not only had to know what they were supposed to but also what they weren’t—like how to cheat the system.

It was ironic. Every day people were told this was a society built on honesty, but that very claim was the biggest lie.

Nail understood how workers slacked off, how suppliers cut corners—far better than Asel. Naturally, he performed well.

Lynch was satisfied. He then asked about the project’s progress. The stadium was nearly complete, given its simple steel ring structure and prefabricated components.

The second-hand goods center wasn’t aiming for high-rise buildings either. Nail found a qualified, experienced construction company for the job. Their bid was about 30% lower than the board’s inquiry.

Nail’s own bid undercut that by another 10%, leaving the remaining 20% as pure profit for the construction company.

They didn’t have to do much to earn it. Besides Nail’s commission and salary, the rest of the money circled back into Lynch’s company.

After these mundane updates, Lynch paused before speaking. “Today’s visit marks the start of a new era. I want you to return to your hometown and make preparations. I’ll be investing there by the end of March. Before then, coordinate with your local authorities—both political and religious.”

This had long been decided, but Asel still felt uneasy. “Mr. Lynch, are you sure? My hometown… it’s not really suitable. More civilized places might be better.”

Lynch shook his head with a smile. “You don’t get it, Asel. Civilization has its advantages, but also its problems. I’ve made my decision. Just do your part.”

“I can guarantee this: if you do well, what you gain there will far exceed anything you get here. Understand?”

Lynch left no room for debate. Asel dared not object. He would quickly hand off his current tasks and return to that poor, backward place.

The next day, Lynch didn’t go to the office. He visited the sergeant.

With Lynch’s approval, the sergeant had recruited more veterans into the Blackstone Security Company. At first, some felt uneasy. But upon returning to a camp-like base, they quickly settled into this new family.

Everyone was very comfortable. All they had to do each day was the same as before—morning drills, training, and then rest once they were exhausted. They didn’t need to worry about anything else.

Just as Lynch arrived at the company, the sergeant appeared before him. He looked more mature than he had two months ago, with a more composed demeanor. Lynch even joked that he shouldn’t be a sergeant, but a colonel.

“I noticed from the recent fund movements that you’ve brought in quite a few more people?” Lynch walked with him across the training ground. Wherever they passed, the soldiers would gather and fix their eyes on him.

He would nod in greeting and then dismiss them to carry on. Though a bit repetitive, it gave off a distinct feeling—the taste of authority.

The sergeant nodded. “A large group of soldiers is about to be discharged again. You mentioned before that I could recruit more of them. Did I bring in too many?”

Lynch was slightly surprised. “I thought it wasn’t the discharge season right now…”