Chapter 96: Come On, Enjoy — There’s Plenty of Time!

These children had problems. The Baylor Federation’s child protection law forbade employing children under fourteen, and banned those under eighteen from heavy labor or work involving hazardous materials.

The newsboys were about twelve to fourteen years old — basically illegal child labor.

Previously, they were boarded by the welfare homes at the news agency—not adopted, just housed temporarily. They left the welfare homes around sixteen to get early exposure to society and learn skills.

The agency paid the welfare homes some money. Everyone knew about this arrangement but no one wanted to expose it.

Without exposure, both sides benefited: the agencies got cheap labor, welfare homes got funds, and though the children’s lives were harsh, they laid a foundation for their future.

Once exposed, the illegal child labor industry would collapse. The first to suffer would be the welfare homes. Without funds, many elderly and children would be left uncared for, forcing municipal governments to intervene.

Sometimes society turns a blind eye not out of negligence but because this is the best available option.

But Lynch was different from the news agencies. People tolerated news agencies using child labor because they lived poorly, but not a big capitalist like Lynch—because capitalists are expected to live better than ordinary people.

People instinctively pity the weak and resent the strong. Before, they had little recourse; now they could claim moral high ground through media exposure.

This raised two issues:

First, Lynch was illegally employing child labor. If no one reported him, he’d be fine. But once reported, he faced lengthy, damaging lawsuits. As he expanded rapidly, more forces would scrutinize him.

Some from civil society, like zealous journalists; some from rival competitors who wished to see him fail; and some from federal agencies eager to find his faults.

Second, these children were unqualified workers but actually generated profit. How should Lynch pay them?

Paying them confirmed illegal child labor charges. Not paying them risked suspicious transfers of money to the children, even with perfect bookkeeping.

The employment relationship was fundamentally flawed; no cover-up could change that.

But if he adopted the children, he could pay taxes on them and give them money as pocket money.

Even if investigated for child labor abuse, he wouldn’t fear it.

He only sent the fourteen-year-olds to permissible work like distributing flyers or gathering info; younger ones could study or do logistics out of sight.

Considering all factors, adopting these children was a smart investment—within three to five years, they could become his key aides.

When Lynch left the VIP room, he glanced unexpectedly at Wood sitting alone. Lynch had a good impression of Wood—a lucky young man whose frequent bids at today’s auction gave him a big advantage.

If not for the newsboys’ 200 seats overwhelming Richard and Wood numerically, Wood would have been first, Richard second.

Wood was a young man willing to endure losses—a rare quality among youth, who usually challenge authority and prioritize self-interest. Lynch believed if Wood stayed focused, he could become significant.

Seeing Wood isolated and seemingly uninvolved, Lynch assumed he was too inexperienced.

As their boss, Lynch wanted them to enjoy themselves, so he grabbed the microphone, pointed at Wood, and waved a handful of bills.

The rustling money sound caught attention. Lynch said with a smirk, “Whoever can help him relax, the money in my hand is theirs!”

Girls without male partners lit up. The bills were mostly twenty-Sol notes—hundreds or thousands in total—far more than their commissions, and extra personal income.

Girls eagerly rushed over. Lynch sat by the stage, amused watching Wood awkwardly fend them off.

Within a minute, a rip tore along Wood’s sleeve. After a brief pause, the girls dropped restraint; Lynch laughed as Wood started pleading for help.

Eventually, his cries faded, fully absorbed into the scene.

Work hard when it’s time; party hard when it’s time. Only by letting go can people recharge to give their all again.

An hour later, both Lynch’s young men and the agency’s girls were sprawled everywhere.

Money, alcohol, pleasure—the most intense human stimuli were supplied unlimited tonight. Everyone but Lynch was exhausted.

He called the agency, who arrived quickly. After settling the bill, their staff carted the girls out like cargo.

Such agencies were common across the federation. They offered performance services—not prostitution. What happened during performances was personal.

Federal law was contradictory: banning solicitation while allowing loopholes.

Lynch left the meeting room, glanced at the mess of young bodies, and switched off the lights.

Light faded through the closing door gap.

Finally, the room was plunged into darkness.