Deceiving oneself.

When Lynch saw Mr. Simon dressed like that, this word popped into his head. Just yesterday there was an uproar about the Nagariel Youth Party, whose slogan seemed to be about expelling foreigners.

In fact, thinking about it carefully, this slogan is very subtle; it's not just about simply expelling "foreigners."

The Pretton Trading Company, or rather the foreigners settled in Nagariel, have actually become a new, foreign ruling group within Nagariel's governing class.

By controlling trade rights and sea access, they have dominated Nagariel's import and export trade. At the same time, they have gained recognition from the ruling class. Having deepened the connection between power and wealth, they have become a new member of high society.

These people are no longer just simple foreigners; they actually represent a kind of privilege born out of wealth, or one could say, power.

Would expelling foreigners take back what they lost?

No, it wouldn't, because whether or not these foreigners exist, without considering the relationship between Pretton and the pirates, and just simply discussing trade, commerce, and markets, this portion of power is unlikely to fall into the hands of the ordinary people.

Because the people who distribute power and wealth haven't changed at all, the people holding power in the ruling class haven't changed, and what they take back from the hands of foreigners will be given to someone else in a blink of an eye.

Therefore, they intend to take back more than just what is in the hands of merchants, at least not now.

This is just an awakening, and on some level, it's even a kind of prelude to a more intense awakening, a rebellion against the ruling class.

Of course, regardless of the purpose of this slogan, whether it is so profound or not, it actually reflects an issue.

And that is that foreigners are always foreigners. They won't be considered as one of their own just because people like Mr. Simon marry local women, have mixed-race children, wear local clothes, and practice local customs and habits.

Once social unrest occurs, these foreigners, who have blended into the crowd, will immediately be singled out, and their fate usually won't be very favorable.

"This is my wife, and my child..." he introduced his family to Lynch, looking as though he deeply loved them.

He held his wife's shoulder tightly; if it weren't for the hints of suspicion, caution, and confusion in her eyes...

His other hand was holding his child's hand tightly; if it weren't for the flashes of bewilderment and delight, and something else in his child's eyes...

Perhaps Lynch would really have believed him.

The happiness of happy people is not something displayed externally; it's an inner joy, an inner happiness.

Neither of the two people in front of him exhibited this.

Lynch wasn't too concerned about these things; he didn't care to know whether other people's marital relationships were harmonious. After a simple greeting, Mr. Simon let go.

He looked down at his son beside him; every muscle and expression on his face was conveying a so-called "smile," but this smile was indifferent. "I need to discuss with Mr. Lynch things that only adults should know. You can look around; it's not every day you get to see the Provincial Governor's house."

The unyielding look in his eyes gradually cooled the joy within the boy from a few seconds ago; without any change, he lowered his head in submission.

After saying goodbye to Lynch and his parents, the young man left the room.

Meanwhile, Mr. Simon's wife knelt by the coffee table, starting to do things within her capabilities.

This is Nagariel. The social status of women is very low, and even if a woman is born into a noble family, it's hard to change her status within the family.

Possibly, her family background might allow her a higher status than most women, but that's about it. The family is the realm of the husband, a world ruled by men!

After Mr. Simon sat for a while, he cautiously started the conversation. "Mr. Lynch, I didn't expect that so many things have happened since we last met, which wasn't long ago."

This was his genuine feeling. The last time he spoke with Lynch, it was to bring an invitation from the Pretton Trading Company. In his heart, he was even hoping Lynch wouldn't become a partner.

The reason is simple: each region's annual output and market are limited. Having one more person to share means everyone gets a little less money, and Lynch is right here; he would take more wealth from Mr. Simon's pockets than from elsewhere.

This wealth originally belonged to Mr. Simon. Now, suddenly, there's someone else to share his earnings, and he certainly wasn't pleased about it.

When Lynch refused his invitation, he secretly rejoiced a bit. When discussing this matter with Pretton, he added some subjective emotional color to convey Lynch's words.

Now, with Lynch sitting here, with Mr. Pretton gone and the Pretton Trading Company becoming a thing of the past, isn't this enough to move people?

Such a powerful force, with pirate groups at sea, gone in an instant.

Lynch just nodded without speaking.

Lynch remained silent and did not express any opinions, which made Mr. Simon increasingly uneasy, "The Federation's larger-scale development in Nagariel this time is a great thing for the locals and for us. Mr. Lynch, I have always advocated for more people to integrate into our group of foreign merchants."

"But you know, Pretton...he controls a large number of pirate forces, and this person is very tough..."

He began to find excuses to distinguish between his current self and his past self. Watching his forced explanations and anxious expression, Lynch slightly raised his hand to stop him from continuing.

"Those things are all in the past, Mr. Simon. One cannot live forever in the glory of the past; it only prevents further progress."

"People should look forward. Tell me your intentions. I believe you didn't come here just to reminisce."

Mr. Simon remained silent for a while, then smiled with a hint of self-mockery and said, "Alright, you've seen through me, Mr. Lynch."

He was neither embarrassed nor insincere when he laughed this time, "We all can see that the Federation has already established some control over Nagariel. The scale of the United Development Company is unprecedented, as you know. People like me, most of our business is in Nagariel."

"You see, I'm already old, I'm fifty now. I'm not filled with the courage I had in the past, to venture out alone carrying my luggage to find opportunities. I don't dare to do so, nor can I."

"I hope to preserve my business, Mr. Lynch. If I lose my business in Nagariel, I...truly don't know how to put it. I might lose everything and have nothing left!"

He spoke very sincerely, which was also the truest feeling of him and most foreign merchants in Nagariel at this moment.

They couldn't resist a major trend. They were confused, at a loss, yet reluctant to let go of their business and profits.

Lynch listened and nodded slightly. As he took out his cigarette box, Mrs. Simon, who was kneeling on the other side of the coffee table, crawled over like some kind of animal using her hands and knees, picked up the matches from the coffee table, and stood up to light Lynch's cigarette.

Seeing the woman's expression with a hint of flattery, and the pain hidden behind this expression, Lynch quickly withdrew his gaze. Yet another pitiful woman, but there are too many pitiful people in this world.

"I can understand your concerns, but please rest assured, Mr. Simon. You can also convey this to the other gentlemen. We and our company are not like Pretton's people, and the United Development Company is not like Pretton Trading Company."

"We respect the contributions and achievements of every merchant. We do not gain wealth through plunder. The Federation has always promoted the spirit of freedom and justice."

"As long as it complies with local laws, international conventions, and does not involve illegal business, we will not interfere."

"Previously, whatever business you conducted here, you will continue to do so in the future."

Mr. Simon did not show a very happy smile upon hearing this sentence. He knew things couldn't be so smooth, or so ideal.

Lynch's next words confirmed his viewpoint.

"However..." Lynch raised his hand to flick the cigarette ash, and the woman already placed the ashtray at Lynch's hand, so he didn't even need to move, just flick the cigarette butt.

Lynch's gaze lingered on her eyes for a second, then continued to look at Mr. Simon, "But I also hope you understand one thing, market freedom means bidding and competition. We won't interfere with your business, but there will be merchants competing with you."

"The Federation has a strong aversion to monopoly, whether domestic or foreign, our attitude is the same."

"If you can fight your way out from numerous competitors and prove you are the most suitable person here, then we will congratulate you."

"But if you can't do it, if you fail in competition with other merchants, I also hope you can understand."

"You haven't lost to me, lost to the Federation or the United Development Company; you have only lost to yourself."

Lynch seemed to have grown accustomed to the woman holding the ashtray; he flicked the cigarette ash again, and this time he didn't look, just flicked it, but he believed the ash wouldn't spill.

"Pretton and Pretton Trading Company's approach doesn't meet the needs of social development. The lack of competitiveness has made the local market just like ten or twenty years ago, unchanged or even shrunk."

"This is a distorted market. What we need to change are the unreasonable rules here, not targeting anyone."

"Including myself, I won't limit others not to allow them to operate the same business as me; I will also actively face competition."

"If you have changed due to some environmental factors, developing an idea to leave locally, it's actually not necessary at all!"

Lynch's face revealed a warmer smile, "Of course, if you insist on leaving, that is your choice. I won't oppose it and will instead be glad."

"Because I am also a merchant, I don't like competition either, but I know I have to face them every moment!"

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