Chapter 293: Daily Chemicals, Light Industry, Humanity

Asel’s experiences in Nagaryll lifted the last burden from his heart. Suddenly, he felt Lynch was better than anyone else.

At least Lynch was willing to take responsibility. Regardless of whether his methods were appropriate or how others perceived his motives, he was a capitalist in a civilized society who accepted some responsibility—even if he didn’t admit it.

Such a man had more conscience than Asel’s brother, his father, or anyone else in Nagaryll. This sounded absurd, but it was deeply ironic.

If capitalists had become conscientious, did that mean the people and events in Nagaryll were even more evil than those capitalists once called devils?

While Asel was building momentum for Lynch’s arrival, Lynch was preparing to head to Nagaryll.

After half a year of quiet, the huge warehouse district had finally stirred to life—though only in a small area. Forklifts moved in and out, loading packaged goods onto trucks bound for the port.

These were secondhand items that failed to sell at auctions. Except for the first two or three auctions in each city, many items later went unsold.

These goods still had demand but were either overpriced or undiscovered by those who needed them, so they stayed in the warehouse.

Lynch planned to ship these to Nagaryll. These slow-moving products would quickly open the market there because of their practicality and low cost.

Many judge a place’s poverty by average income but ignore one fact: humans themselves are commodities.

Civilized nations avoid this truth. From the era of slavery to emancipation, people have tried to downplay that humans are essentially commodities.

Avoidance doesn’t erase the fact—it’s not wrong or nonexistent.

Humans are commodities.

Nagaryll’s poverty meant low labor costs. Hiring 20 or 30 people there cost as much as hiring one worker in the Federation. Even if those workers were lazy, their combined output was greater.

More importantly, people not only work—they also produce offspring. This is why Lynch placed his first international business in Nagaryll: labor export.

Cheap labor combined with local political and religious support was a vast treasure waiting to be unlocked.

While many focused on uncertain mineral resources beneath Nagaryll, Lynch set his sights on its population.

The world war ended, and countries quietly rebuilt. The war brought little real benefit to victors and did not cripple the losers. Peace would be temporary.

Without dominant scientific power, war would persist. Only when certain groups monopolize advanced tech weapons could peace become normal.

Now, these countries race to prepare for the next war. They lost vast labor forces. Some have such skewed gender ratios that governments assign several wives to each adult male.

Men’s job? To impregnate these women.

This seemed absurd. When the Federation heard this news, they laughed loudly, mocking the population decline and ridiculous policy, yet many men envied it.

Like prize livestock spreading their genes—this might be many men’s ultimate dream.

Several such countries existed, highlighting the massive labor shortages. If a batch of cheap labor arrived, these countries would gladly pay hefty fees.

If one looked closely, humans were the most valuable, scarce, and persistent commodity in society.

People blurred this concept to avoid equating humans with goods.

From labor use to clinical trials of top drugs, from scientists’ human experiments to sociologists’ group studies, humans as commodities—and consumables—have long been exploited.

This was enormous wealth unseen by most—but Lynch saw it.

“Mr. Lynch, the court has just made its final ruling…” Adam wore new, expensive clothes and carried a leather briefcase once out of his reach, now comfortably in hand.

Some remaining flickers of humanity dimmed amid the glitter and greed.

Now Adam had no disgust. He enjoyed working for Lynch. “Our lawsuit was upheld. We have priority on those workers’ property issues.”

Lynch raised an eyebrow. “Good news, Adam!” He stepped forward, dusted off Adam’s shoulder with a scrutinizing yet approving look, “You have good taste. That suit suits you well.”

Adam smiled and glanced at his clothes. “A popular designer was recommended. It looks great.”

Lynch nodded. “Keep watching over the rest…” He pulled out a business card, placed one in Adam’s pocket. “This is a broker. Talk to him. See if we can persuade the court to give the auction rights to Golden Exchange Bank. Their process is more rigorous and transparent.”

He paused. “Also, it’s time to sue our friends.”

This case initially had little to do with Lynch. His father, Nail, owned the factory where raw materials were stolen.

The thieves were the workers, who turned stolen materials into finished products sold cheaply to Lynch under contract.

After exposure, these goods were seized. The factory owner sued the workers, aiming to auction their houses for huge gains. Lynch was displeased.

Known as a conscientious, responsible businessman, he preemptively sued the workers and won court support. Proceeds from the house auctions would compensate Lynch first, then the factory owner.

Lynch also bought some orders and sued the factory owner for breach of contract. The owner had no raw materials to fulfill contracts and no funds to pay penalties.

Simply put, profits taken from the workers ended up in Lynch’s pocket, while the factory owner faced bankruptcy.

But Lynch was a socially responsible entrepreneur. He would not force workers out of their homes; instead, he offered them jobs.

Though after paying their rent to Lynch, their monthly income might be low—just enough to survive.

In 20 or 30 years, after redeeming their homes, they would be free—still relatively young, in their fifties.

So Lynch was a good man, though often misunderstood.

Adam’s odd expression had long vanished; he smiled warmly. “I understand. I’ll handle this quickly.”

Lynch was pleased. Simply put, if you’re in business, don’t expect to be modest.

Especially some professions, like lawyers, who often claim, I believe my client is innocent when defending criminals. But if they’re guilty, they’re guilty; everyone knows that.

If you defend criminals for money, don’t claim innocence for your client—it’s disgusting.

Adam’s timely shift was one reason Lynch admired him.

“I’ll deal with many international affairs soon. We might face international lawsuits. Use your connections to find lawyers skilled in major countries’ laws. I’ll need your help.”

“Don’t slack off on domestic matters either. I’ll support you in building a legal department. You’ll lead it. Understand?”

Adam paused, then nodded repeatedly. He understood what Lynch meant.

Once the department recruited lawyers skilled in international litigation and some well-known domestic attorneys, regardless of Adam’s own professional abilities, his status in the industry would rise sharply.

This was a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Without Lynch, it might take Adam decades—or never—to encounter such a chance.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Lynch. I…” He was overwhelmed, his lips trembling, emotions swirling. “…Please trust me. I will handle everything well, Mr. Lynch!”