Darkstone Code

Chapter 1087 - 1085: Angels Are Also Devils

"It’s a bit warm!"

Lynch took off his coat and handed it to Anna, then sat in his "solid" chair.

The chair looked like a throne, with deep red leather, broad like Emperor Gafura’s throne, and a nearly two-meter-high backrest, requiring one to slightly tilt their head.

When placed there, it gave a feeling of heaviness, seriousness, and nobility!

But it was just a lifeless object.

Until Lynch sat on it!

It seemed to come alive, with a subtle energy pulsing like a living presence, brimming with outward intensity!

"Nice chair!" Lynch patted the armrest.

Calling it an armrest seemed inadequate; it was a full foot wide, pure leather. Resting an arm on it was quite a unique feel, making one marvel at the luxuries wealth can provide.

The office was also brand new, the office of Future Light Investment Company. Lynch originally thought about building one himself.

But the board had someone with a vacant office building near the city center, so they utilized it.

Lynch had no objection, of course. Rent still had to be paid, just not too much; a symbolic gesture of nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine each month was enough.

As for how to position Anna, or rather, choosing what content she should be exposed to, Lynch pondered for a moment.

Finally, he decided she should mainly deal with Future Light Investment Company’s matters, representing future trends and being the main direction of capital development.

The goal of capital is profit-seeking, and whether it’s industry or enterprises, they aren’t the mainstream in the profit-seeking process.

With the integration of global capital, capitalists now have more options in pursuing profits.

Traditional industrial development is one direction, but its returns are slow, gradually being shunned by the new generation of capitalists. Pure capital operations and financial games are where capital now chased.

Simple, convenient, fast.

The profitability of a company might be apparent in three to five months.

If profitable, they earn massively; if not, they quickly transfer their shares and seek new targets.

In the past, a million might only allow a single business venture.

But now a million in investments might fund ten ventures — holding ten percent in each company, as long as one company succeeds, the returns satisfy the pursuit for profit.

Hence in the future, increasingly more companies purely playing with capital will emerge, marking the trend.

More money!

From birth to now, capital’s focus is solely on profits!

Compared to the secretive Darkstone Capital, it’s better for Anna to work here.

Lynch looked at some files on the desk; the company’s personnel weren’t idle during this time.

Under Lynch’s directive, a board was established, and they hired a professional manager to handle daily operations.

A large-scale company gradually revealed its early structure.

A brief knock on the door made Anna glance at Lynch; outside stood the company’s new general manager, who wouldn’t assume a higher role until Lynch returned.

The person entering was thirty-seven, a top graduate of Saint Harmony Alliance Schools, a basic-level member of the Saint Harmony Association, but that was already significant.

He also introduced an official member and three preparatory members, steadily advancing.

That’s why people in education aren’t afraid of reforms; ordinary schools, no matter how good new private ones are, can’t cultivate Saint Harmony members.

In high-level societal selections for professionals, Saint Harmony members hold many advantages, more likely to be chosen, so educational domains don’t fear reform.

"Mr. Lynch..." Lance, the young man who entered, had a slightly above-average height, maintained a good physique, with broad shoulders but a slim waist.

This typified a fitness-oriented style; today’s bodybuilders admire classic forms, preferring broad shoulders and thick backs, distinct muscle contours, and slim waists.

A V-shaped torso is every bodybuilder’s ultimate goal, unlike future chemically nurtured square-built physiques.

They can touch their backs, feel their behinds, and do many things!

Lynch scrutinized him, naturally accepting Lynch’s examination, necessary to endure.

When informed Future Light needed a general manager and a future executive president, he accepted almost without hesitation.

With Lynch and successful capitalists gathered, he knew their intentions.

Lacking the special family backgrounds like Mr. Wardrick and Mr. Pato, he nonetheless had equal opportunities with them; a pivotal choice in his life, which he seized!

Thus, standing here today, as long as he doesn’t err or stands correctly, he might become the first president of a consortium!

Truly stepping into high society, setting its rules, not serving them.

Lynch was the first gatekeeper.

Lynch withdrew his gaze, allowing Lance a small sigh of relief.

"These reports are quite a lot; I can’t read through them quickly. Maybe you can tell me what they contain," Lynch pointed to the ten-plus files on his desk.

He gestured to the chair opposite him, and Lance sat down, looking at Lynch, indicating if he could fetch the files, as he didn’t bring their archives.

Lynch, seeing what Lynch meant, smiled in affirmation, "Of course, please..."

Lance picked the first file, swiftly introducing the investment project contents to Lynch, "This is an idea submitted by a research institute technician..."

Lynch raised an eyebrow, "Flight Research Institute?"

Lance nodded, "A researcher approached us alone with a cooperation proposal, having a unique idea to increase engine efficiency."

"I’ve asked the Flight Research Institute’s chief engineer; they haven’t initiated this project, unfamiliar with its contents, so in some ways, it fits our investment plan."

Lynch nodded, signalling him to continue.

"Based on feedback and our assessments, if this gentleman’s design succeeds, it will reshape the entire engine industry. Most current engines face potential technical obsolescence."

"We estimated the investment at sixty million, obtaining thirty-five percent shares..."

Lynch slightly nodded, "Valued at two hundred million, a bit high in my estimation."

Lance momentarily doubted; he felt the share price should be lower, believing they found a bargain.

The rationale is simple: if their research succeeds, they possess the key to altering industrial patterns, gaining a foothold in the engine domain.

How large is the engine industry?

According to surveys, there are over forty thousand cars in the Federation, roughly one car per every hundred thirty people!

It seems modest, but five years ago this number was half of current figures!

Despite economic downturns, depressions, the wealthy remain affluent, some gaining wealth, and vehicle spending surging.

Survey agencies anticipate ten years later, as technology matures, car production costs lower, sales prices drop swiftly, potentially surpassing two hundred thousand private vehicles in the Federation.

Industrial applications won’t lessen; imagine licensing fees for every patent at fifty bucks, leading to billion-dollar markets!

Investing sixty million for a future thirty million market seemed worthwhile to Lance.

Despite discrepancies, he wouldn’t oppose Lynch, merely looking with innocent eyes, seeking Lynch’s insights.

Lynch reaches for that report, silently reviewing for a moment, "Yes, too high."

"First understand, everything he claims hasn’t materialized. If he fails, he won’t bear losses, while we’d lose sixty million."

"Second, equity allocation isn’t favorable; holding thirty-five percent makes it difficult to oust him from boards or the company if future disagreements arise."

Lynch shook his head, "We must prepare for all possibilities; the agreement should..."

Lynch flipped through pages, "Include clauses, allowing stock buybacks in cashing-out moments."

"Or in certain conditions, financing rounds bypassing board or shareholder consensus, diluting founder shares..."

Lynch returned the report, facing Lance with less calm than before, "If contracts aren’t signed, add these clauses."

"If signed, negotiate supplementary terms, not confined to a project but extending to all."

"We must at all times have the capability to leave victoriously."

"Simultaneously enabling founder dismissals, as angels or..."

Lynch grinned, "Understand?"