Chapter 40: The Fierceness of the Battle Between Consciousness Sometimes Surpasses That of a Fight

After Lynch was hospitalized, Mr. Fox, who heard the news, rushed to the scene as fast as possible. The doctors confirmed that Lynch was not seriously injured—aside from some malnutrition and two soft tissue contusions, there were no major issues.

Though there was no serious harm, Mr. Fox remained extremely angry. He had high hopes for Lynch, and whether out of genuine concern or to win him over, he felt he had to show his position.

“We must sue him!” Mr. Fox paced back and forth in the hospital room. “Sue him until his family is ruined, until he can’t even afford pants!”

Lynch watched Mr. Fox’s outburst. Half of it was sincere, but he couldn’t help but smile and wave it off. “Forget it. There’s no need for that.”

By the time he arrived at the hospital, the spasms in his body had eased. Aside from some stomach discomfort, there were no other problems. During that time, he seriously considered what to do next and had already made a decision.

Mr. Fox raised his eyebrows. His harsh words were actually meant to agree with Lynch. Though he didn’t know how Lynch managed to get Little Michael sent to prison—he even apparently confessed voluntarily—he sensed Lynch’s vengeful nature.

Someone like that wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. This was clearly a very good chance.

Before coming, Mr. Fox had already consulted his lawyer. The lawyer believed that if they sued, Michael would be finished.

First, Michael had broken into a house without permission, then used violence to threaten the homeowner. Being a government official, knowing his actions were illegal but still proceeding, he not only faced harsh punishment but also at least five years in prison.

Mr. Fox thought Lynch, being so smart, would definitely destroy Michael’s reputation. What surprised him was Lynch telling him to let it go. Did he guess wrong, or was Lynch pretending?

Seeing Mr. Fox’s eager expression and remembering he came immediately, though the act was a bit overdone, Lynch still felt grateful. Since he needed Mr. Fox’s help later, he shared his thoughts.

“Suing Michael would be seen as a challenge to the federal tax bureau. That’s a very sensitive signal. It could even backfire on us.”

“The bureau will do everything to protect Michael to maintain their authority, sanctity, and on-site enforcement power. They’ll try to label me a criminal.”

“At that point, my opponent won’t just be Michael, but all the officials in the federal tax system and the interest groups behind them. I can’t win.”

Though he spoke lightly, Mr. Fox was shocked to the point of being expressionless. Lynch continued.

“The best strategy is to use the media against them. Those fearless reporters will help us expose Michael. The whole country will know the scandal. To protect their image, the federal tax bureau will punish Michael.”

Lynch frowned slightly. “There’s a good chance he’ll be suspended and investigated quietly, then maybe transferred to a remote place to retire. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is we need the media’s power.”

“Let the media do what we want but can’t or won’t do. I’ll still be the victim. And Michael?”

Lynch shrugged. “He’ll become a stray dog.”

Suing Michael is essentially a provocation, even a desecration of power. Michael doesn’t just represent himself; he represents the federal tax bureau’s enforcement authority.

It’s like a lawyer suing a police officer—it’s a challenge to the whole federal police’s power, which is why Lynch made many enemies.

If that lawyer had been smarter and more tactful, that officer would regret his actions forever, and the lawyer wouldn’t live in constant fear of lawful harassment by the police.

Lynch didn’t know this. If he did, he might think not all lawyers are clever.

Mr. Fox was sweating, recalling the help Lynch had asked before. He wiped his forehead and admitted he wasn’t sure about this young man.

His thoughts, methods, and meticulousness were unlike someone who had been spoiled and then fallen into society.

If Lynch was an heir of a great family, Mr. Fox would wholeheartedly believe it—because ordinary people simply couldn’t be so capable.

“Is there anything I can help with?” he asked quickly, no longer looking down on Lynch, but treating him as an equal or even humbling himself.

Such a formidable young man, if he didn’t die young, would surely become a major figure influencing federal affairs.

Investing in him before he succeeds is better than shamelessly begging for scraps after.

Mr. Fox’s sudden change in attitude didn’t escape Lynch’s notice. Though puzzled, he didn’t press. Having suffered a big loss, revenge was all he could think of.

“Of course, I need the media to interview me—many media, preferably federal-level. We can spend money. It has to cause a sensation!”

Mr. Fox sighed in relief. He could do that. His work frequently involved licensed professionals and some fringe entertainment figures.

He confidently promised, “Don’t worry. By the day after tomorrow at the latest, some well-known national media will be here!”

“Thanks a lot!” Lynch said politely.

“It’s my duty!” Mr. Fox replied in solidarity.

After he left, Lynch called the nurse, who summoned the attending doctor. After a brief meeting in the room, the doctor came out seriously and said, “Immediately send this patient to the emergency center…”

That night, the director of the Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau, who had just laid down to sleep, was woken by a phone call. Before he could get angry, his face changed drastically.

The victim was severely injured and in critical condition, already sent to emergency care. The doctors issued a risk notice, warning of unpredictable complications.

He couldn’t sleep, cursing Michael while dressing and rushing to the hospital. If Lynch really died, he’d handle it immediately.

Soon, the attending doctor at the emergency center made a hand gesture meaning “eight rounds without injury” from a tabletop game to Lynch, who was being treated. They smiled quietly, speechless.

All because the hastily arrived director loudly declared so everyone could hear in the hall—“We must save Lynch with the best equipment and special medicine, and the federal tax bureau will pay!”

It’s done!