Blackstone Code

Chapter 144:

Double standards always existed. Since the feudal era, people were keenly aware of the benefits of double standards, especially for rulers.

Lynch currently lacked the influence to apply double standards. From the mayor's perspective, he remained relatively insignificant. Even if he could expand his business as he claimed, he didn't possess enough sway to utilize double standards effectively.

Things like the Minimum Wage Law, the Employment Act, and the Worker Rights Protection Act were not easily changed, even by the most powerful capitalists. It was not that they lacked the ability, but the cost and consequences of changing these things were too severe.

The fact that young Lynch wanted to change things a bit made the mayor's furrowed brows suddenly relax, and even a smile appeared on his face. After all, he was still a young man.

He fundamentally didn't understand this world. He didn't realize that facing this seemingly simple world required a sense of awe.

But this kind of enthusiasm was touching. It reminded the mayor of his own graduation days when he thought about changing the world. But looking at himself now, in his forties, he was still just a mayor.

Perhaps he could eventually become a governor, but that was still far from his "arrogant" dreams when he was still young.

Everyone had such moments, but reality would teach them how to properly face the world.

With these thoughts, and perhaps prompted by some sentimentality, the mayor raised his glass and took a sip. The process of aerating the wine had actually begun before they even arrived at the restaurant. The dry ice in the ice bucket ensured the wine was at the optimal temperature for drinking, and the ample contact between the wine and the air made its bitterness fade, almost imperceptible.

It was a good wine, the mayor mused, raising an eyebrow as he set down his glass. As he gazed at the fresh red wine in the glass, he found it less repulsive than before.

The rapid occurrence of so many psychological changes in such a short time was quite intriguing and complex. However, he didn't want to dwell on it too much; instead, he preferred to shift his attention elsewhere.

"Speaking of which, I have an idea. Would you like to hear it?" The innate desire to mentor others was always present within people. However, the true essence of mentoring lay in bolstering one's own sense of greatness by imparting knowledge and experience to others.

It was instinctive, but the results it brought were not bad, so it was a good thing.

Seeing Lynch nod slightly, the mayor continued, "I suggest you donate some money to a university and then go back to school..." He paused and then explained, "What I mean is, you need some connections of your own. That's my advice to you."

"There are nine top private universities in the federation, all funded and established by a private institution called the Society of the Sacred Harmony. If you can become a student at these nine universities, you will have access to the top resources in the federation."

"If you can become a candidate member of the Society of the Sacred Harmony or even a formal member..." The mayor smiled, with an undertone behind it that was somewhat indescribable. "Then congratulations. You will join the ranks of alumni alongside the majority of federation governors, top officials from the three parties, the President, cabinet members, and even lifelong Supreme Court justices. These are all individuals with the power to influence the direction of our society, and they are also members of the Society of the Sacred Harmony."

The mayor's sentiment may stem from his reflection on Lynch's youthful vigor—a quality he himself once possessed. However, over time and through the pressures of reality, he had become more pragmatic, his edges dulled by the passage of time and the demands of the present.

So he wanted to give Lynch some life advice. If he had been willing to bow his head and choose a school affiliated with the Society of the Sacred Harmony when he was young, maybe he would be a governor by now.

The governor of the state where Sabin City was in was not much older than him, but the other person was already a governor and occupied a very important position within the party. It was all because he and the leader of the Progressive Party, as well as the higher-ups, were all from the Society of the Sacred Harmony.

This was a fast track to promotion. People were willing to give the governor opportunities because they were alumni and members of the society, but they were not willing to give the mayor opportunities because he didn't have the badges of the nine major universities.

Lynch nodded in agreement, keeping this in mind. The conversation that followed became much lighter. Lynch no longer discussed his two big troubles, and the mayor didn't continue his annoying mentorship. They began to talk about trendy things, things related to life.

"I heard your friend is planning to shoot a movie in Sabin City. Let them contact the Social Services Bureau. The bureau will coordinate some work to make the shooting smoother," the mayor mentioned what Mr. Fox and his son were currently doing.

They somehow got hold of a script and thought it was good. And since they now had some money in hand, they decided to turn the script into a movie.

In fact, whether it was ordinary people or those who had already realized their self-worth, everyone experienced impulsive desires for money. It was as if money were hot potatoes, leaving it sitting in the bank would make them feel uncomfortable. Only by spending money could people feel satisfied.

Especially at the moment of spending, that kind of joy simply couldn't be described in words.

Lynch hadn't heard about this, but it didn't stop him from engaging with the mayor. "I heard that every place offers subsidies for filming?"

This was a common practice. In the Baylor Federation, movie production primarily took place in two major studios. The supporting infrastructure in these studios was exemplary, with numerous movie sets conveniently constructed, facilitating scenic shooting.

Moreover, the presence of local subsidy policies was a significant draw. Filming in these studios not only provided access to more subsidies but also offered tax exemptions, making it the primary incentive for attracting movie workers.

But that didn't mean other cities would give up their efforts in this regard, especially the leaders in the city halls. A movie could attract more visitors than people could imagine and greatly help improve the overall cultural environment of a city. So every city still retained its subsidy policy.

The mayor pursed his lips. "Sometimes I feel like you're not twenty-year-old at all. Your friend is not as smart as you."

He was referring to the fact that Fox and his son hadn't thought of contacting the Social Services Bureau yet. If they did, not only would the government help coordinate some work, but they could also help them apply for subsidies.

It was truly astonishing that a young person, who had just stepped out of school for only two years, was aware of policies that even a middle-aged individual, with over twenty years of experience in society, remained ignorant of.

The mayor adjusted the napkin on the table before speaking. "You know, the current societal situation isn't favorable. City hall's finances are tight, so the maximum subsidy we can offer is one hundred thousand. However, we can waive usage fees for all public facilities, and if road closures are necessary, we're open to negotiation."

The money was not much, but what was important was the mayor's attitude.

When filming a movie, there was often a need to close roads or vacate buildings. A famous filming crew once sought to capture a scene involving a highway chase, multiple collisions, and a massive explosion. However, citing concerns for public safety, the local government not only denied them access to the city's ring road but also insisted on a safety reassessment of their script.

Consequently, the crew had to resort to using abandoned, remote countryside areas and refurbishing an existing derelict road to film these sequences.

The cost was secondary; the main issue was the prolonged delay in the movie's release.

With that, the mayor cleared his throat discreetly and said, "My little daughter loves watching movies. She was very excited when she heard that someone was going to shoot a movie locally. Do you think she can go to the scene to take a look or even cameo in one of the roles?"

"Why not?"

At a single dinner, numerous problems were overcome, with only two remaining unresolved. Nevertheless, the mayor considered the evening invaluable, as it not only deepened his connection with Lynch but also created a thousand new job opportunities.

Yes, the figure increased from eight hundred to a thousand in the end. However, Lynch didn't object. Both he and the mayor understood that such promises were merely words. If he had the capability to fulfill them, he would, but if not, it wouldn't make much difference.

Yet, whether it was Lynch or the mayor, they refrained from discussing Lynch's two significant troubles again. However, neither of them forgot about them. Perhaps, at some point in the future, they would be brought up again.

After dinner, instead of heading home directly, Lynch had the driver take him to Mr. Fox's current residence out of curiosity.

As soon as he entered Mr. Fox's house, he immediately sensed an artistic ambiance permeating the space. A group of individuals, unmistakably cultured, huddled around a table, engrossed in discussions about the nuances of script, with Fox Junior actively participating.

Lynch's arrival made everyone pause for a moment, but they soon focused back on their work.

Led by a servant to the second-floor terrace, Lynch met with Mr. Fox, who was playing cards with a few old gentlemen of similar age. Despite having only a few chips in front of him, he appeared very happy.

"Just a moment, it'll be over soon..." Mr. Fox nodded to greet Lynch, and the card game concluded swiftly. The old gentlemen glanced curiously at Lynch, then quickly settled their chips with Mr. Fox before bidding farewell and departing with smiles.

Watching these people leave, Mr. Fox breathed a contented sigh. Feeling a bit sentimental, he leaned against the railing at the edge of the terrace and tapped the handrail with both hands, remarking, "this is what life is all about."

He then turned to look at Lynch. "Did you see through it?"

Lynch nodded. "Of course, we all know Mr. Fox is a sly old fox, especially when it comes to money matters. But this kind of game is also entertaining, at least it's harmless."Please vote for this novel at /series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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