Chapter 808: Plenty of Time Anyway

“How much did we make last year?”

As the two walked inside, Lynch asked casually.

He wasn’t particularly concerned with Fox Films. Despite owning 30% of the company, the profits it brought him were just pocket change at this point.

He had no interest in bothering with the company’s operations or financials for such a small amount, nor in hiring professionals to audit the books.

He also didn’t worry about Fox Jr. trying to cheat him—Lynch wasn’t someone who could be easily fooled. That would only lead to trouble.

Besides, other shareholders were keeping an eye on Fox Jr. and the accountants to make sure every cent rightfully belonging to them didn’t linger too long in company accounts—including Lynch’s share.

Every so often, profits would be transferred into Lynch’s account—sometimes hundreds of thousands…

Or maybe… a million?

Though Lynch was clearly asking about the profits, it came across more like, I honestly don’t give a damn.

Fox Jr. smiled bitterly. For him and his father, this company—Fox Films—was the most successful investment of their lives, the thing they were most proud of. Yet in Lynch’s eyes, it meant nothing.

Still, since Lynch had asked, he had to answer.

“Last year, we released three to five films each quarter. Even the lowest-performing ones turned a profit. Our most profitable film made over $1.5 million alone.”

He couldn’t help but sound proud. Among all the production companies in Lardimore, Fox Films might not have been the most profitable, but it was certainly one of the most successful in terms of operations.

Every film they released had been well-received, which was largely thanks to their screenwriting department.

The current head of the screenwriting department was a former truck driver who had a unique instinct for picking scripts.

He didn’t chase artistic value like most writers and directors did. He focused on smooth, engaging viewing experiences.

Simple, easy to understand, entertaining—that was enough. It gave Fox Films a distinct edge over other companies.

The academy types called their films sleazy, claiming every frame was filled with nudity, vulgarity, and profanity. But audiences loved them—especially midnight screenings, which still pulled in strong attendance.

Aside from movies, they had also launched two actors under contract with the company. The projected income from those stars was far more promising than even the biggest film profits.

Movies have short-term revenue windows, but a well-managed actor could generate income for five to ten years or more.

The company’s contracts with these stars lasted at least five years. If each one did three to five films a year, that would be about twenty films in five years.

By paying them very low salaries and squeezing the margins, even a $100,000 cut per film would bring in $2 million over twenty films.

Add in the status and fame of these stars, and Fox Films gained access to high-profile projects they wouldn’t normally qualify to invest in.

Overall, the movies earned several million, but the two actors alone could generate tens of millions in future value—as long as they didn’t self-destruct. That alone was worth celebrating.

Just three years ago, the Foxes were hiding out in a basement, surviving on loan sharking and living under constant pressure and guilt, squeezing pennies from the desperate.

Fox had done it for nearly two decades and barely made two million.

But within three years of switching to the film business, they’d already earned two or three times that.

People say crime pays best—but only those who haven’t figured out how to make legitimate money say that.

Lynch paused slightly, then smiled sincerely. “I didn’t expect it to be that much.”

“You look like you’re faking it…” Fox Jr. said, a bit exasperated. “We really did try.”

Lynch patted his arm with a grin. “I know, I get it. Still—congratulations.”

They pushed the door open and entered the house. The living room was filled with guests, most of whom Lynch didn’t recognize.

With Fox Jr.’s introductions, he learned that these were prominent figures in the film industry.

Producers, investors, famous directors, awards judges—they were all influential.

When people saw Lynch, their expressions first showed surprise, then quickly turned to delight.

“Mr. Lynch…”

“So glad to meet you, Mr. Lynch!”

Similar greetings echoed throughout the room as Lynch responded with warm politeness.

“Everyone’s really friendly,” Lynch whispered to Fox Jr..

Fox Jr. gave a slightly odd smile. “You’ll feel the enthusiasm even more in a minute.”

With Lynch’s arrival, the party officially began.

Fox Jr. whispered something to his butler, and soon after, sounds came from upstairs. The guests on the first floor all turned to look.

Then, a group of barely dressed girls came running down the stairs, waving their arms. Lynch didn’t recognize any of them. He wasn’t particularly sensitive to beauty—everyone looked more or less the same to him.

What really caught the eye were their energetic bodies and the bouncing waves of flesh.

Then came a group of young men, equally attractive, wearing nothing but tight shorts, fake collars, and cuffs. They, too, ran down the stairs, waving to the guests.

At that moment, the men and women on the first floor all broke into genuine smiles.

It was a party meant to relax and delight.

Lynch noticed an interesting contrast in the scene—on one side, finely dressed ladies and gentlemen; on the other, nearly naked girls and boys forcing awkward smiles.

Whether in the entertainment industry or elsewhere, climbing the ladder is never easy.

There has never been a shortage of talented people in this world. No one can truly claim to be the best—because even if someone reaches the top, there will always be others who eventually surpass them.

If those who are talented still have to struggle and fight their way through society, then what hope is there for people who are average in every way except for a pretty face?

Society is fair—just not always in ways people find easy to accept.

A person can prove their worth through effort—whether physical or otherwise. There’s no real difference between the two. Both rely on what they themselves can offer. There shouldn’t be any hierarchy between them.

A young woman, no more than her early twenties, ran over to Lynch blushing. She wore a pair of bunny ears—an accessory that always brought certain thoughts to mind.

Her long hair fell naturally over her chest, perfectly positioned to cover her underwear, making it seem at first glance as if she wore nothing at all.

She looked nervous. Lynch’s status was simply too high, and she wasn’t sure whether she’d be rejected.

This was the sad reality for her—and for many women like her. Even when they were prepared to offer themselves, it didn’t guarantee they’d be accepted.

Fortunately, Lynch was a true gentleman. He knew how to ease a girl’s nerves.

He casually loosened his arm, giving her the chance to slip hers through it.

The girl let out a quiet sigh of relief. Fox Jr.’s smile also became more genuine.

Since Fox left the scene, Fox Jr.’s position had become somewhat awkward. Twice the board had tried to push him out, and both times it was Lynch who dealt with the greedy board members.

But Lynch’s indifference toward the company’s profits and operations gave Fox Jr. a sense of pressure.

His relationship with Lynch was never as strong as Fox’s had been. That uncertainty made him feel like he could be discarded by Lynch at any moment.

He needed to get closer to Lynch—at the very least, ensure Lynch wouldn’t disappear or sell off his shares suddenly. That was the only way Fox Jr. could stabilize his position in the company.

Giving Lynch money was out of the question. He couldn’t even match a fraction of Lynch’s wealth. So, he had to use what advantages he had.

He gave Lynch a knowing smile, then politely excused himself, saying he needed to entertain other guests.

But as Lynch looked around the living room, it was clear no one needed entertaining.

Just look at the guests and their companions—most of them looked like they’d rather find a bed right then and there. Who needed Fox Jr.’s attention?

Lynch didn’t comment on his decision. He understood exactly what Fox Jr. was thinking.

Sometimes, what makes people nervous isn’t you demanding more—it’s you refusing them altogether.

Lynch smiled and turned to the girl beside him. “You seem nervous.”

Even through the expensive fabric of his clothes, Lynch could feel the smoothness of her soft skin gliding against the fine material—flawlessly, like silk.

The girl was already a bit tense, and Lynch’s question only made it worse. “I’m not… I mean, maybe just a little.”

She made a tiny gesture, holding her thumb and forefinger so close that the gap was nearly invisible.

On the surface, she looked sweet and innocent, but anyone in this business knows never to take appearances at face value. Their acting skills were top-tier.

“Are you a signed actress with the company?” Lynch asked casually.

She nodded. “Signed in the second half of last year…” She glanced up at him, then quickly looked away. “But I’m not a star. Just a regular contract actress.”

Lynch stepped aside and gave her a once-over, even asking her to turn in place. Her face flushed with embarrassment, her skin a shade paler from the tension.

“You’ve got a great figure. Very beautiful. Everything looks good,” Lynch said as he let her return to his side, idly twirling a strand of her hair. “But… there’s a small flaw.”