Blackstone Code

Factories worldwide were currently facing significant issues, particularly due to certain distinctive individuals among their workforce. Typically, these individuals were the organizers or leaders of the factories' labor unions.

These leaders would encourage registered members to unite the workers within their respective factories and form an internal union. Whenever people gathered together, there would always be a leader and some middle management, who often became the disruptive elements within the factory.

On the production line, the slacking off of just one person could slow down the entire assembly line, causing a backlog of materials at every processing stage. This would waste a considerable amount of time and effectively reduce work intensity, yet wages would remain unchanged.

In fact, most workers supported these troublemakers because their actions could make the entire assembly line's work more relaxed and slower. Some factory workers even deliberately engaged in such behavior from time to time.

In the earlier years, when factory profits were good and there was a wide domestic demand, factory owners had no choice but to compromise with such behaviors by offering extra meals or paying additional overtime to get the workers back to serious work. Over time, such behavior became a commonplace way of taking breaks. The history of factory development worldwide was essentially a history of the struggle between workers and factory owners.

Workers had always tried to secure more benefits, higher wages, better protection, and various safety nets for themselves. As long as they worked, no matter how little they did, factory owners were required to pay them at least the minimum wage. Otherwise, the labor union and lawyers would cause trouble for them.

When Lynch mentioned changing the employment structure, the mayor's initial opposition was based on this fact. The power of the workers was still strong. Although capitalists and politicians ruled the world, the majority of people were still ordinary workers. In fact, those laws aimed at protecting workers actually protected not just the workers but also the capitalists.

If Lynch destabilized the basic employment system, it could trigger a massive upheaval. However, given the current unrest, such an upheaval might no longer matter, because the situation was already chaotic. If Lynch's idea could solve some existing problems in factories and help workers return to their jobs, it would actually be beneficial.

This was what the mayor valued. Whoever controlled the job market now had the loudest voice, even louder than the labor unions.

After writing for a while, the mayor put down his pen and rubbed his wrist. "If I allow you to proceed, how many jobs can you create?"

Lynch shook his head slightly, with a hint of a smile. "Not many. Don't forget, we talked about another topic along with this one."

"Foreign trade." The mayor almost blurted out, recalling their previous conversation.

He then furrowed his brow but quickly relaxed. "What we discuss today must remain confidential..."

Lynch nodded slightly. He didn't give assurances verbally; that would have looked silly.

Seeing that, the mayor continued in a serious tone, "…You can start preparing some materials. This matter should be decided around early next year."

Lynch immediately understood the meaning behind the mayor's words: the president might step down in the first quarter of next year. Whether he would be forced out or would submit his resignation to Congress was still unclear, but he wouldn't be able to hold on any longer.

The mayor was able to obtain this information all because of his political mentor, who was also one of the key figures in the Progressive Party—the Chief Executive of the Progressive Party's Development Office.

During his university years, Mayor Langdon was personally discovered by the current Chief Executive of the Development Office, with whom he shared an extraordinary relationship. When issues arose with the Sabin City Transportation Company, he sought advice from his mentor, who assured him that action could be taken against the company.

The winning bidder of the transportation company was a member of the president's faction. The fact that a conservative could secure this position in a Progressive Party's city fundamentally stemmed from a covert exchange of interests. Thanks to this exchange, the mayor learned the outcome of this farce earlier than he might have otherwise.

Knowing certain secrets made the mayor want to share them subtly, thereby enhancing his authority and alleviating his urge to talk. A mayor having information about the president's resignation timing would undoubtedly spark many speculations.

Lynch discreetly acknowledged the mayor's influence, satisfying him before leaving. After some thought, the mayor picked up the phone. He needed to discuss with higher-ups, including the governor and his mentor, Lynch's idea of a new employment model and the topic of foreign trade.

As Lynch exited the city hall, he saw a large crowd of protestors gathered in the square. They waved signs and chanted slogans under their leader's direction, casting curious, greedy, envious, and ultimately fearful glances at Lynch. In their eyes, rich people like Lynch were the embodiment of power they were taught to respect from childhood.

A brief silence fell over the crowd as they watched Lynch leaving with his luxury car, but soon their angry shouts resumed with renewed vigor.

The car drove slowly through chaotic streets and stopped outside Lynch's house. The driver, who worked for the residential compound's service company and was not exclusively assigned to Lynch, prepared to leave but was stopped by Lynch.

"Thank you for driving me several times. I don't even know your name." Lynch said, lighting a cigarette and offering one to the driver.

The driver, feeling honored, accepted the cigarette with both hands and lit it with a match. "My name is Jack, Mr. Lynch."

For Jack, someone like Lynch was akin to a cloud in the sky, while he was just a blade of grass on the ground. He didn't know why Lynch called him, but he knew it must be a good thing.

The residential compound's service company was also laying off staff, as some residents had moved away due to various reasons. The empty houses reduced the company's revenue to the bare minimum, and to maintain profits, they couldn't sustain the previous team size.

While many domestic staff had been let go, the security positions had actually increased. Some retired military personnel with firearm licenses were hired, and this was well-received by the remaining residents.

If Jack could earn Lynch's favor, he felt that he might be able to keep his job. He didn't want to lose it.

Lynch initially wanted to say something but ultimately closed his mouth, nodded, and reached out to shake Jack's hand.

Jack, completely puzzled, watched Lynch return home and then stubbed out his cigarette.

As Jack reached the residential compound's office, he relit the cigarette. According to the residential compound's service company, staff weren't allowed to smoke in non-smoking areas as a sign of respect to the residents. Jack had clearly broken this rule.

His supervisor immediately reprimanded him and even considered using this opportunity to fire him. However, Jack's next words defused the situation and any potential future problems.

"This cigarette was given to me by Mr. Lynch. He asked me to smoke with him."

Seeing the half-smoked cigarette, the supervisor paused. "Don't let me see this again, understand?"

Jack nodded and returned to the office, ready for other residents' requests. Everything proceeded as if nothing had happened.

Back in his room, Lynch called for the leader of the children he had legally adopted and housed in a nearby residential compound. The property there was cheaper and larger, enough to accommodate a group of kids.

The leader, the oldest among them at fifteen, was Noel Grimm, the boy who first stabbed the News Head with the iron rod in Lynch's memory. His younger brother was Vern Grimm. According to custom, they were all supposed to change their surnames to Lynch's, but Lynch refused. They kept their original surnames, which was also a sign of respect for them.

As he had initially stated, even though Lynch adopted them, they were not required to call him father but boss.

Noel arrived quickly, still panting when he came through the door. It looked like he had run over, as he was gasping for breath. "Sir?" he asked.

Lynch gestured for him to sit. "You and your group spend a lot of time outside, so you must know about the shady dealings in Sabin City, right?"

Noel nodded. "Yes, sir."Please vote for this novel at https://www.novelupdates.com/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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