Chapter 81: The Streets Are Full of Quality Resources

“The EverBright Group scandal implicates many; Congressman Thomas has been officially summoned by the state court…”

“Numerous companies in the state are involved in this shocking cross-border tax evasion scandal, with far-reaching consequences…”

“So far, eleven companies linked to the EverBright Group scandal are under investigation by the FBI, IRS, and the Federal Security Council. Operations are halted, and workers are protesting, demanding a swift end to the investigations and a return to work…”

Recently, news about the EverBright Group’s tax scandal has increased in both newspapers and on TV.

This is a clear brewing storm: by releasing information through certain channels, the public is made aware that significant changes might happen soon, so they won’t be caught off guard when the storm hits.

People might even tell others, “I knew this day would come,” to show their foresight, and to remind some to report wrongdoing or to escape while they still can.

In other words, the higher-ups have abandoned this “little brother” EverBright Group; its protectors may have given up or been dragged down by it. The higher-level battles are over, so there’s no point waiting for change anymore.

“What do you think?” Fox Jr., sitting nearby, was also reading the paper. Recently, he’d developed the habit of reading newspapers, learned from Lynch.

Lynch often made time for newspapers. Newspapers remain a mainstream news source in the federation; even TV struggles to surpass print media as a stable news channel.

Many believe TV will replace print within ten years as the main news source—they are overly optimistic. Print media will last until the emergence of portable, personal tech devices.

Until then, TV can never match the portability of newspapers.

You can pull a newspaper from your bag during a commute.

You can casually read a newspaper while waiting.

You can even read one in the bathroom to ignore unpleasant smells—sometimes after reading, the paper still has other uses (though you’ll need to wash well due to ink stains).

TV can’t do this; no one carries a heavy TV to and from work. The key reason print hasn’t been replaced by TV is convenience.

Like now, Lynch can pick up a newspaper and read whatever interests him, enjoying that brief moment. He can’t carry a TV around and control what it shows on a whim.

During their time together, Lynch changed some of Fox Jr.’s views—people at society’s bottom aren’t always brainless.

Fox Jr. used to think that way but no longer dared. Lynch is smarter than him, even smarter than Fox Sr.

Lynch set the paper down, shook his head. “I lack sufficient evidence to comment on these matters.”

Actually, he had evidence but preferred not to share. All companies tied to EverBright were joint ventures. With Lynch’s recent studies and growing understanding of the world, he’d identified where the problem lay.

But there was no need to tell Fox Jr., nor for Fox Sr. to know; it didn’t concern their lives.

Lynch’s tone showed he didn’t want to discuss it further. Fox Jr. quickly changed the topic.

“Dad and I have been discussing investing in some legitimate industries when the time’s right. What do you think?”

Fox Sr. and Jr. had changed a lot due to Lynch’s influence, forming a stark contrast.

Lynch’s earnings weren’t slower than theirs. From a percentage return perspective, not one of the combined hundred Gaitnow financial companies earned more than Lynch.

Most importantly, Lynch’s business was legitimate—earning and spending money legally. This dreamlike life made Fox Sr. doubt his past choices.

After discussing, father and son decided to invest in lawful trades to escape their current troubles and avoid constant fear.

They surprised Lynch, as many used to quick money would refuse legal business, but these two wanted change.

He nodded and pointed to the busy street outside the large glass window. “What do you see?”

Many pedestrians looked downcast; economic recession is never good. With strikes and investigations halting production, many workers lost jobs.

Some women on the street caught Fox Jr.’s attention. Whether his imagination or slow understanding, he felt this summer’s girls on the street seemed more eye-catching than before.

He didn’t voice this, respecting Lynch’s sophistication.

After careful thought, Fox Jr. ventured an answer in his field, “Cheap labor?”

This summer marked the first significant drop in average wages in nearly a decade. Previously, wages rose yearly, but as summer began, striking workers demanding raises vanished.

Instead, more day laborers appeared, willing to work for just a meal.

Job seekers accepted slightly lower pay; labor was becoming cheap—a consensus.

Lynch shook his head. “That’s part of it, but look deeper. Haven’t you noticed girls wearing lower-cut tops and shorter skirts?”

Fox Jr. blushed, awkwardly laughing to cover his thoughts. Just then, Fox Sr. entered, looking energetic, holding a walking stick.

“What are you two talking about?” He hung the stick by the door and started a fan while asking curiously.

Fox Jr. repeated their conversation. Fox Sr. was intrigued and asked, “Why is that?”

Lynch smiled, legs crossed, hands resting on the sofa arms.

“Because of the recession, small and even large companies can no longer afford these ornaments. If you visit large companies, you’ll find their staff busier, mostly men.”

“The companies can’t support paying for the women kept for entertainment, or…” He tilted his head, “You know, some like to fool around at the office, but now they have to cut those costs.”

“The women who were kept have lost their jobs and now must find opportunities on the street or starve.” Lynch sighed. “That’s the opportunity I mentioned.”

Fox Sr. hesitated. “As far as I know, only two of the federation’s seventeen states legalize solicitation…”

Lynch glanced at him. “I’m not talking about that—entertainment industry.”

Fox Jr. was confused. “But you said the economy’s declining, many lost jobs, so how would entertainment grow?”