"How do I persuade them?"

The car was still moving, but Provincial Governor Drag's thoughts immediately shifted, "There will definitely be some resistance then, not everyone thinks following behind the Federation is better."

These provincial governors were once local emperors, but now they are restricted everywhere by the Federation people and the United Development Company. Psychologically, they still lean towards opposing the Federation and the United Development Company.

Including Provincial Governor Drag, if it were possible to expel the Federation people or achieve a certain degree of autonomy, he would also prefer not to live in the shadow of the Federation nor under Lynch.

Living at the mercy of others, how could it ever be as comfortable as being one's own local emperor?

Yet many things leave no room for choice, so he recognizes this fact. His only thought now is to safely navigate the transition of power, and then safely proceed to the Federation to become a low-key, reclusive wealthy gentleman.

Bear in mind, he is now a citizen of the Federation, soon he will receive the highest retirement pension, enough for a happy old age in the Federation...

Well, that's a joke; just the wealth he's taking is enough for him to squander until death. This idea of wanting a peaceful life is just a kind of prayer-like thought arising in dangerous times.

If he could navigate through this calamity, being an ordinary person wouldn't matter - something like that. But realistically, it's impossible; as long as one survives, they will still have the wind at their back and the rain on their shoulder.

Lynch sipped his mouth, "Tell them, now's a good opportunity to transfer wealth. Before the Federation realizes, set a path for themselves."

Drag stared at Lynch, astonished, for he truly could not grasp the meaning of this statement; was Lynch speaking straightforward honestly or subtly implying he already knew about Drag secretly transferring assets?

This uncertainty left Provincial Governor Drag unsure how to connect this topic; it felt troublesome and unsettling, was Lynch hinting at something?

Lynch glanced at him, a slight grin at the corner of his mouth, "No need to worry, it's not just you; as far as I know, quite a few privileged and ruling classes are transferring wealth, you're not the only one!"

This information actually came from Mr. Herbs, who was helping Lynch gather a large sum of Galil currency. Before both parties officially signed the contract, the more he gathered, the more he could win in the betting contract, his returns multiplying with his investment.

At this moment, every few hundred thousand or even tens of thousands of Galil is valuable to him.

Just as Nagariel's rulers were quietly transferring wealth, being an international banker, money laundering and currency transfer were part of Mr. Herbs' daily work, which occasionally came up in his conversations with Lynch.

It's no secret, he previously told Lynch the difference between the amount gathered and currently gathered, he must explain the origin of this money, in case anything happens to keep himself clean.

The rulers of Nagariel, suffering, thought they secretly moved funds abroad unknowingly, yet never realized the Federation knew long ago.

Herbs, gathering Galil so vigorously, caught the attention of the Federation's Six Major Banks. With such powerful banks, Herbs had no choice but to collaborate, unless he wished to vanish unnoticed; it was best to clarify the situation.

The Six Major Banks knew, so did the United Development Company, naturally the President's Mansion knew too.

So many knew despite the parties involved, thinking they were secretive.

"You don't need to worry; actually, this is a good sign. You could tell them at the meeting that promoting Galil's appreciation can allow them to exchange more foreign currency for their money. If big trouble arises in the future, they can still have good living conditions abroad."

"When one needs to be selfish, it's best to be a little selfish. Others' happiness isn't your happiness; only when you are happy are you truly happy!"

Provincial Governor Drag thought for quite a while, then nodded, "I know how to put it."

Lynch also nodded approvingly, "Looking forward to your good news..."

Afterward, neither continued speaking; Lynch pondered other matters, while Provincial Governor Drag considered how to organize his words to make everything appear smoother.

After all, he is now a Federation citizen embedded in Nagariel's ruling class, he has to show an allegiance to the Federation while not exposing himself, it is quite a challenge.

Just like what's mentioned above, parties involved are always the last to know the truth; he doesn't know that not only has he been bought, others have been bought by the Federation too. Selfish individuals are never just one!

The vehicle slowly stopped outside City Hall; after bidding farewell, the convoy quickly left, planning to pick Lynch up after the meeting ended. There's no trouble here now, but precautions are necessary.

Lynch was likely the last to arrive; others came well in advance, like some small merchants lacking risk tolerance who arrived early hoping to get firsthand information and network.

In the now noisy meeting room, everyone expressed their opinions and views with surrounding people, resembling a bustling, unhosted salon, where groups naturally formed around several topics resulting in intense discussions.

The atmosphere is certainly desirable, especially appealing to scholars and experts who thrive and reap fine rewards here.

Just then, someone seated at the back stood up and exclaimed, "Mr. Lynch is here," with a tone filled with surprise, as if a bomb was dropped at their feet, causing a shockwave to instantly quiet everyone.

The noisy meeting room suddenly fell silent; Lynch smiled, greeted the person who noticed him, and promptly all those still sitting stood, regardless of their age compared to Lynch.

At that moment, they all closed their mouths and faced Lynch with reverence, watching him.

When Lynch's gaze met theirs, they would humbly lower their heads and say, "Mr. Lynch" to show their respect.

Among thousands, he just pulled out a cigar when dozens of lit lighters were presented, and Lynch casually lit the cigarette from the nearest one and said thank you.

The owner of the lighter responded with a bow in awe; none felt it outrageous or excessive, they believed it normal.

This feeling, like stepping on clouds, angels are dancing for me!

The heartfelt "Mr. Lynch" from everyone's mouth is the most beautiful greeting in this world!

He smiled, his smile soothingly affected many, easing some people's anxiety as well.

"Gentlemen, what were you discussing just now?"

A group of people who considered themselves more distinguished and prestigious began approaching Lynch first, which is a social custom.

Those who stepped out later realizing their status was a little lower remain halted, awaiting the possible second opportunity.

The foremost individuals in the room now surrounded Lynch, akin to ancient jesters, seeking to appease him.

Of course, they displayed more decorum than jesters.

The oldest gentleman stepped out, "We've been discussing the mayor and some possible measures by the local government, Mr. Lynch!"

Lynch nodded ambiguously, "After the upheaval, City Hall is bound to introduce policies with soothing and motivating effects; indeed, for us, it's a great chance..."

The meeting room remained silent; everyone concentrated on Lynch's voice.

"If City Hall fails to present effective measures to address investors' fears, the development and industrialization process would be nothing but a colossal joke."

"I personally believe, representing only myself..." He chuckled, "Perhaps we might receive a considerable surprise regarding taxes!"

The surrounding people displayed astonishment; a "considerable surprise" from someone of Lynch's stature is genuinely significant, not some petty tax exemption worth fifteen bucks and thirty-five cents, but substantial.

For merchants, especially those from the Federation, two factors always snagged during their operations, limiting growth and hindering profits.

The first is labor costs, excessively high.

Next, taxes.

If labor costs are minimized, substantial tax discounts could mean Carnival to merchants in Nagariel.

Expressions have become vivid and lively, moving from prior slight anxiety to tranquility.

"Moreover, that's not all..." Lynch added.

When flicking ash, someone cautiously asked, "Mr. Lynch, do you have inside information?"

Insider information has always been something merchants both love and fear; particularly in Bupen, sometimes insider info easily sells for fifty thousand bucks.

Yet, not all insider info is accurate or valuable, depending on who's speaking it, determining its validity.

Lynch didn't deny it; he had to establish an authoritative image before these yet untransformed capitalists start expanding wantonly, "I played a role in this; local government officials highly value my opinions!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.