Chapter 358: Science and Development

The Baylor Federation government indeed does not restrict officials from engaging in business. This is evident from the members of parliament, each holding shares in numerous private foundations and sometimes a company or two.

There are fewer companies and more foundations to avoid conflicts of interest.

However, the law allowing officials to conduct business does not mean they can operate without restraint. The key issue is illicit benefit transfer.

Determining whether a business transaction is legitimate or an act of benefit transfer is straightforward: examine the cause, purpose, outcome, and whether the beneficiaries meet the Federation’s legal standards on abuse of office and illicit benefits.

In simple terms, if Official A holds shares in Company A, which conducts business with Company B and profits significantly, while Official A manipulates matters so Company B or its shareholders also gain advantages, this constitutes abuse of office and illicit benefit transfer—strictly prohibited by Federation law.

Such schemes are hard to detect without thorough investigations. For example, Dyson Asset Management appears as jointly held by a natural person named Dyson and another asset management company, but that company itself is held by other entities. Without deep inquiry, the true owners remain hidden.

Everyone uses these methods to conceal unwanted truths and protect themselves.

When necessary, they can simply dissolve companies and complete legal formalities to sever tracking.

This also offers opportunities for political opponents who fabricate seemingly covert illicit transactions and accuse targets of abuse of office and benefit transfer.

Most members of parliament, including senior politicians, might intervene in many foundations but rarely directly manage companies to avoid vulnerabilities.

If Lynch became a parliamentarian, his current business could become a weak spot. He does not want to retire so early.

Receiving monthly donations from various groups through foundations, then advocating for their interests in parliament, voting for their proposals, or opposing their rivals—dealing with lobbyists, brokers, and interest groups—many envy that life. Attending banquets and social events daily, mingling with elites, always in the public eye.

But Lynch finds no joy in that life. It feels like being a puppet, a beast confined in a cage—limited in freedom and action.

He does not want that. The world is vast and exciting; he has much to accomplish.

They locked eyes, Lynch’s resolve clear and unwavering.

“Alright, maybe we can talk again if you change your mind,” Truman said, somewhat discouraged but not disappointed. Lynch had said before he wouldn’t enter politics—at least not soon.

Lynch then proposed further negotiation points. Once the delegation and Baylor Federation agreed to establish diplomatic relations, deeper political, commercial, and cultural talks would follow, perhaps even more.

Lynch’s addition was this: “Let Nagaryll shoulder our burdens for the Federation. I’ve been thinking—we should encourage more people to seek opportunities there instead of waiting for food aid at home.”

They had touched on this before but vaguely. Truman frowned, “But our people won’t want to work in a distant, underdeveloped place.”

“No TV, no newspapers, no cinemas—only wilderness…”

Lynch interrupted, “But there’s money there. We need people to realize money is everywhere if they just look.”

He smiled slightly. “Create idols.”

Truman looked serious. He had a keen view of international relations but was less adept at detailed planning.

Like a ship adrift at sea, everyone must play their part. He could identify direction but not steer the ship.

Lynch could. His ideas aligned well with Truman’s and went beyond.

“When more Federation citizens start seeking opportunities and growth in Nagaryll, our social problems at home will ease. External wealth will speed our transition.”

“This isn’t war, but it will solve internal issues.”

Lynch’s words unsettled Truman. Undoubtedly, his plan extended far beyond what he shared—some things were not yet ripe to reveal. Truman believed that when the time came, Lynch would unveil even more astonishing ideas.

After over two hours, their catch-up ended. It was past one o’clock. Losing intense focus, hunger set in.

Thankfully, nearby the presidential palace were some food trucks. Initially, some wanted to ban them from this core district of Eminence, the Federation’s heart, but the idea failed.

Busy politicians often skipped lunch, and many Federation citizens cared little for it—sometimes considering breakfast more important. A hot dog, a sandwich, or some mixed vegetables and meat sufficed, letting the food trucks survive.

It was strange that even today, food trucks still thrived and people still bought fast food.

While eating, Truman asked, “Anything planned for this afternoon?”

Lynch thought briefly. “No. Why?”

“There’s an exhibition with some fresh tech—you might be interested.”

“What kind?”

Lynch finished his food, wiped his hands and mouth with a handkerchief.

“Technology.”

Every year, strange and varied expos happen nationwide. We live in a tech boom era, though many don’t realize it.

Expos showcase tech progress and innovations and help inventors find investors to fund further research.

Science should be scientists’ domain, but many inventions have little to do with cutting-edge science. These inventions play a key role in societal development.

They don’t require advanced knowledge but are more about assembling and improving existing technology—sometimes called grassroots science.

Though the term may sound amusing or less rigorous, it’s not as bad as it seems.

Many small inventions in the Federation’s market come from these grassroots scientists and inventors.

In the past, inventors had to go from company to company, showcasing their inventions one by one, seeking cooperation or selling their creations.

Later, as some legends emerged, more idle people joined this group, dreaming of creating inventions that could change the world.

These gatherings started appearing everywhere, though no one knew exactly whose idea it was.

Inventors brought their works to exhibit publicly. If someone showed interest, they could negotiate cooperation or investment.

Over the years, many inventions followed this path. Gradually, some exhibitions featuring major inventions gained significant attention.

With greater attention came more outstanding inventors, creating a positive cycle. Even the inspiration for the new generation of Veyport industrial torpedoes reportedly came from a grassroots scientist’s invention.

Starting today, for about half a month, outstanding inventors from across the country would gather on a plot of land outside Eminence for an exhibition.

Lynch found the idea interesting and agreed.

Truman arranged his office work for the afternoon, then left with Lynch. About forty minutes later, they arrived at the suburban exhibition site.

The scene was lively, like a holiday—representatives from industrial groups, the military, social elites, stockbrokers holding yellow slips, and many families with children came to see the novelties.

“Sir, do you know what a radio reconnaissance array is?”

Just after getting out of the car, a stockbroker approached Lynch, asking about something he had never heard of before.