Chapter 342: There Are Always Troublemakers Trying to Take My Money

Perhaps due to the recent crackdown on spies in Gephra, some parliament members harshly criticized current foreign policies on TV, but public reaction was mild.

There were protests in some places, but the scale was small. Surprisingly, the Socialist Party did not side with the Conservatives and chose neutrality.

The Socialist Party’s neutrality meant the labor unions stayed neutral as well. Ultimately, it came down to who could put food on the table.

A recent major strike, which briefly halted food stamp exchanges and supplies, made many feel the desperation of near-starvation. Until pushed to the brink, they wouldn’t cause such massive unrest again.

Without large-scale protests or major impact, some issues remain hard to advance.

Many think policies are top-down orders, but often they’re designed to better serve the lower classes, as seen in yearly proposed laws.

For example, the minimum wage law didn’t exist before; such laws aim to help those in need.

Though some policymakers abuse their power, that doesn’t negate the goals and standards of policy-making.

Now, the problem is lack of grassroots support. Even though Preyton bribed some MPs to prevent inevitable conflicts, it’s futile.

On this day, Lynch was invited to the final match of the York State Amateur Rugby League.

Though called the final, eleven matches remained in the league, but winning today would earn Lynch’s team a spot in the second-tier professional league, returning them to the pro stage.

This news was extremely important and uplifting for Sabin’s citizens.

Sometimes society is strange—many unemployed and barely surviving on aid, who never cared about rugby before, suddenly paid more attention to politics, economy, sports, and news they’d usually ignore.

They were not only attentive but deeply invested—an odd phenomenon worthy of sociological study.

Standing on the new field, Lynch leaned on the railing. The oval stadium seemed plain, not luxurious, but standing in the best seat, overlooking the excited crowd, gave him a special feeling.

Ambition?

Perhaps, though hard to describe.

As players entered, the match began.

The atmosphere surged immediately. Lynch’s team’s fierce play intimidated their opponents; reckless collisions made even some well-known opposing players avoid confrontation.

This made the match much more exciting.

In such a depressing era, few things were more thrilling than watching a victory seized as easily as chopping vegetables.

Cheering for the team, fans forgot their empty pockets, their job hunts, and many painful memories—only joy and excitement remained.

Throughout, Lynch’s club dominated, crushing the opposition. He had hoped for a close match but was disappointed.

When the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted. The players removed their helmets, gathered, and accepted medals from league officials.

Everyone was ecstatic. Lynch, as the largest shareholder, was invited to the award ceremony.

“Congratulations, Mr. Lynch. I look forward to your team’s performance in the pro league this fall!” the official said warmly. Lynch’s personal influence was growing; he was becoming a public figure.

In this money-driven federation, fame often means status and wealth. No one could ignore or offend celebrities.

Moreover, Lynch was a founding board member of the Women’s Pro Sports Association—they were allies and smiled broadly.

Lynch shook hands, smiled, and stood beside the trophy for photos, then handed it with the official to the team manager.

Kane was emotional. If anyone truly loved sports and the club, it was him.

His lips trembled. A year ago, they faced huge troubles—investigations, suspensions, losing their pro league license and relegation to amateur status, even possible disbandment.

Players lost motivation and sought other jobs. The league considered cutting Sabin’s pro club funding, erasing them from the federation’s roster.

It seemed they’d sink into darkness—until Lynch arrived, and things improved.

Kane’s tears and sniffles showed his gratitude. He tried to shake Lynch’s hand, but Lynch cleverly dodged.

Lynch looked at Kane with mild disdain, which Kane didn’t notice. Standing a meter away, Kane expressed his thanks.

The players smiled; a new, better life was coming. The head coach was surrounded by reporters.

He had been a mid-tier college coach, now aiming to make a name in the pro league.

Rumors said he left college coaching due to poor performance or personal issues, but now he was succeeding—the smile on his face said it all.

Everyone celebrated. The crowd lingered, reluctant to leave.

Some wanted to savor the victory’s afterglow; others simply wanted to avoid reality a bit longer—they knew once outside, they’d face harsh lives and tough struggles.

Later, Lynch, Kane, and the coach met in the manager’s office.

Promotion meant new priorities. As sole shareholder, Lynch had final say on all decisions.

“We need advanced equipment,” Coach Mordick said. “It’ll provide detailed data on players’ physical conditions, helping us monitor their health.”

“Professional leagues bring tougher competition and injuries.”

“We need our own stars. We can’t keep relying on these blue-vested disposable players.”

Kane supported this. “Stars are key to a team’s culture and unite fans.”

To persuade Lynch, Kane presented some data, looking nervous.

Lynch glanced at him, then down at the file, noting the coffee stain on the cover.

“This is the most unique document cover I’ve seen all year!” Lynch smiled and opened to the first page, easing Kane’s nerves.

Kane began explaining, “The materials I gathered mainly outline the impact of star players on teams and their economic value.”

“Compared to regular players’ jerseys, most fans are willing to spend money on star players’ jerseys, or custom items with their numbers.”

“Also, if we develop a star player ourselves, as his value rises, we could earn hundreds of thousands or even millions in transfer fees—and we can do it!”

Lynch didn’t need Kane to say it; he understood the commercial potential. Especially among celebrities, sports stars often have more potential, influence, and a positive image than movie stars or singers.

People generally see athletes as healthier and more wholesome than actors or musicians—and often that’s true.

Top athletes’ transfer fees have long exceeded a million, while top movie stars still rarely earn that much per film.

Overall, the document and plan were well done.

Lynch closed the file and looked at them. “How much are you asking for?”