Chapter 90: Making Money Is This Simple

“Any new discoveries these days?” A middle-aged man in a worn short-sleeve shirt stood before Wood, shaking his hand while quietly asking.

Wood shook his head and gave a subtle glance. The man immediately noticed Lynch and Ferrell standing outside the crowd.

Most ordinary people weren’t familiar with Ferrell, but Wood’s superior knew him well. He practically knew everyone important in this city, including Ferrell, the mayor’s aide.

Lynch’s connection to the mayor complicated matters. Until higher authorities intervened, investigating Lynch risked running into legal protections designed to shield officials and their associates during their terms.

To prevent political persecution or interference that could disrupt governance, investigations against people linked to sitting officials generally pause until their terms end.

If the Sabin City mayor viewed the investigation as a political attack, even the probe into Lynch could be suspended until after the mayor’s term.

Wood’s superior was tense. If they could find concrete evidence of Lynch’s crimes before he gained a solid connection with the mayor, they could press charges early, forcing the mayor to distance himself.

But this required substantial, solid proof. Without it, the courts wouldn’t approve further actions.

Wood shook his head. His superior’s expression grew serious as he took a seat in Wood’s camp.

Wood chose lake blue for his area; he liked the color and had all 100 chairs covered with lake blue dust covers.

Gradually, unfamiliar faces holding his flyers took their seats in his section. Many were active police agents there to assist Wood in infiltrating Lynch’s circle.

Wood’s superior initially came just to support, but the situation had become urgent.

They needed Wood to gain Lynch’s trust quickly. The best way was to appear as someone who could help Lynch succeed.

As more people arrived, Lynch was fully prepared. He set up 2,000 seats arranged in a circle around the venue, ensuring everyone could see the displayed goods and the auctioneer could hear the bidding.

Ferrell’s team also helped maintain order. Reporters would record the event live, with local news airing by tomorrow night, so some official presence was necessary.

Warehouse security and even some blue-vested workers volunteered to help keep order while watching the event unfold.

In a worsening economy, people craved fresh excitement to awaken their numb nerves.

By 2:15 p.m., nearly 3,000 people had arrived. Those without seats found spots to stand. Rescue teams were also on site to prevent or handle emergencies. Everyone was eager and curious.

“Let’s begin,” Lynch said. The auctioneer and assistants took the stage as goods were brought up. The noisy crowd quieted, though soft conversations continued.

The auctioneer was hired for $600 by Lynch from the state capital—four hours’ work plus $120 travel and lodging.

Sabin City had no official auction house or professional auctioneers. A skilled auctioneer can energize the crowd, spark friendly rivalries, and push prices to record highs.

In the Baylor Federation and internationally, some famous auctioneers earn a 3% commission on final sale prices.

He quickly explained the auction process. Bidders simply raised hands—no paddles, no formalities. It looked like a familiar secondhand goods fair, though top auctions are just high-value secondhand auctions.

The event had three stages:

Fixed-price bidding: No price raises or lowers. The auctioneer announced a price; anyone wanting the item raised a hand. Four staff by the central display had buttons to confirm who raised first.

Most goods here were essential and steady sellers like household ovens or six-burner stoves, items everyone needed.

These goods had stable prices and turnover in secondhand markets, easily sold without price haggling.

Actual auction: Starting bids were always one Sol, no matter the retail price. Buyers competed freely.

Items here were mostly flashy but impractical. Setting fixed prices meant many would sit unsold in warehouses; competition might fetch better prices.

The third stage was promised as an unprecedented surprise that could change auction rules worldwide, but the auctioneer kept details secret, starting instead with the first category.

The first item was presented: a built-in oven that could be installed inside cabinets or walls.

These hidden ovens had become popular recently—both stylish and space-saving, ideal for kitchens with limited space but need for a decent oven.

Retail price was about $199 new; at the auction, it started at $79.

The auctioneer stirred excitement, and about ten seconds after he finished speaking, a light on stage lit up. Then someone in another section raised a hand.

The first sale happened quickly. Some regretted missing it, others watched curiously. A sense of involvement quietly emerged.

“Congratulations to this gentleman who just bought an almost new oven for $79! If I weren’t the auctioneer, I wouldn’t have given you that chance!” The auctioneer smiled and gestured to the buyer. “Let’s give him a round of applause…”

Meanwhile, staff moved forward to settle the payment, accepting cash or checks, and collected addresses for home delivery.

Home delivery added a small expense for Lynch but helped lock buyers in.

“Seventy-nine bucks, seems almost like a giveaway…” Ferrell murmured, glancing at Lynch. “How much did you lose?”

“Lose?” Lynch smiled. “I made at least ten bucks on this.”

Wood looked at his superior, who was pulling out money. A strange feeling spread in his chest—he had just earned roughly four bucks.

For the first time, Wood felt what class monitor Richard had described—earning money effortlessly, just by showing up.