Darkstone Code

Society is real; it is not the fantasy world of a fairy tale. In this real society, one thing is always indispensable, and that is money.

Money can be regarded as the driving force behind anything. No matter what you want to do or what purpose you want to achieve, you cannot avoid money in the process of accomplishing these goals.

Take, for example, the case of Count Kazriel organizing a small women's rugby tournament. He not only needs to provide the two hundred thousand Federation Sol as a reward for the champion team, but he also needs to account for another substantial, if not equivalent, amount for additional expenses related to various other costs.

These costs include expenses for transporting these individuals, their accommodation, transit, meals, and various hosting fees.

Then there are the fees for renting the competition venue, and organizing various staff arrangements, such as the expenses for referees and sideline referees, etc.

Also, there are various advertising expenses and additional hosting fees; the media and some people he invites to watch the competition also require his expenditure.

To host a small tournament with only six teams, at least thirty thousand to fifty thousand Federation Sol must be spent. So, how much would it cost to operate a women's professional rugby tournament covering the entire Federation?

Perhaps three million, maybe five million, or maybe over ten million!

Because Ms. Trish wants to take control and have more power, she must pump more wealth into this venture. Otherwise, people will not allow her to go around acting all mighty with someone else's money and still place herself above others.

Lynch's question strikes at the heart of the issue: how much money can the Federation Women's Rights Protection Association generate to carry out this matter? It's important to know that the Federation of Women's Rights Association is not a profit-making institution; it's merely a non-profit civil organization supported primarily by donations from various social sectors. The revenue from hosting certain activities pales in comparison to the frightening entity that is the United Transport Association.

Just last year, the effective revenue of the United Transport Association reached thirty-three million①. Many large companies didn't even have this much income last year, yet the association easily achieved this figure.

Similarly, last year, the Federation Women's Rights Protection Association's total profits and received donations didn't even reach three million, which is a mere fraction of the counterpart's.

The two organizations are fundamentally not in the same league; Ms. Trish's ambition to seize control was never feasible from the beginning. The reason why the United Transport Association hasn't forcibly evicted them is primarily due to the significant influence of the Federation of Women's Rights Association across various societal aspects, especially concerning women's affairs.

Some matters indeed cannot be divorced from them; such matters require their involvement—much like what Ms. Trish imagined. They must certainly form part of a component, albeit, not as important as she perceives.

Lynch's words force her attention back to the direction she least wants to confront: she and the women's rights organization she represents lack funds.

They not only lack funds but also lack power. They've consistently refused to acknowledge or confront this fact—and Ms. Trish embodies these traits in full measure.

"We cannot produce such a large amount of money in a short time, but we possess strong appeal and influence..." Initially, while speaking, she seemed somewhat lacking in confidence, but gradually, confidence seeped into her words.

In recent years, the feminist movement has certainly caused sufficient disruption within this society, showcasing the magnitude of the Federation of Women's Rights Association's influence. From their advocacy to reclaim family leadership through abstinence, they continuously orchestrate new movements periodically.

"Whenever we hold events, all merchants provide various services to us willingly, and people from society also donate to support our events. I believe this time will be no exception!"

"We can usher more women into the sports arena, prompting everyone to acknowledge women's value, role, and status in professional sports, which money alone cannot achieve—surely, this isn't insufficient?"

Looking at the newly proud Ms. Trish, Lynch raised an eyebrow, "Madam, in our current societal context, appeal and influence fail to quickly and effectively transform into genuine wealth. People won't open their wallets just because your voice carries more weight than others—especially not without any tangible material rewards."

"Even ordinary personnel won't contribute everything without some form of compensation; everyone must live—they have personal aspirations. What they seek isn't motivation; it's not tears; it's money, Sol, Federation Sol!"

Upon stating this, Lynch didn't pause but instead posed a question, "Ms. Trish, do you wonder why the President of the Federation of Women's Rights Association hasn't personally handled these matters and delegated them to you instead?"

With each additional word Lynch uttered, Ms. Trish's expression turned grimmer—was she unaware of the situation?

No, she knew. She understood better than anyone; she just pretended not to know. Now exposed by a young man, her expression subtly altered.

She no longer found Lynch handsome, charming, or endearing—she found him somewhat unpleasant and infuriating.

"Then what about you, Lynch? Everything originated with you. Don't you wish to gain more control?" She asked in anger, feeling the question struck a critical point.

This entire venture originated from Lynch's initial proposal of women's professional rugby, which attracted Trish and the Federation Women's Rights Protection Association.

As for why the association's headquarters didn't handle it directly—frankly, it's because those at the headquarters are more rational. They are well aware they have nothing substantial to offer and might as well let Ms. Trish contest—if successful, they reap the benefits.

If it fails, they could intervene to salvage the awkward situation.

Lynch candidly shared the truth, "I've never desired any control in these matters; they're too convoluted—I haven't engaged in them, nor do I wish to. My sole aim as an 'initiator' is to derive discounts and benefits!"

"Ms. Trish, I've always believed we're on the same team—you and me. That's why I'm being truthful with you." His sincerity shone through his expression and tone, coupled with his attractive appearance, making the initially annoyed Ms. Trish find him relatively pleasant again.

"Oh?" She replied without revealing her thoughts.

Lynch continued, "My plan is simple—being one of the initiators, any future broadcast fees related to my club's matches must not fall short compared to the opponent's broadcast fees."

"I don't require a high status within the women's professional sports system; whoever ensures my first-tier income level remains steady has my support!"

"Ms. Trish, given the substantial appeal and influence the women's rights association already possesses, there's no need to contest leadership. Though we may not hold the lead, society won't disregard us!"

At this moment, Ms. Trish found herself perplexed, "You're saying..."

"I will advocate for creating a new entity at the meeting, such as 'Bail Federal Women's Professional Sports Promotion Association.' We must extricate ourselves from the United Transport Association, which will drag us into their domain where we stand no chance."

"Within the new entity, we can relinquish the majority of power—especially you, Ms. Trish. You don't need to contest for broadcast revenue; the United Transport Association won't allow you to meddle in these affairs. But you can attempt to seize power over the athletes."

"The Federation Women's Rights Protection Association inherently possesses connections and relationships with female professional athletes—making you more apt for the task. If you glance a bit, you'll comprehend the profound transfer fees involved in professional league club athletes annually."

Lynch pursed his lips, took a small sip of floral tea to moisten his throat, "Compared to tangible benefits, who holds the presidency or the leadership role isn't significant anymore!"

Although Ms. Trish still didn't fully grasp the concept, she refused to exhibit her ignorance. Like many women, she barely watches male professional sports, and thus Lynch's declarations eluded her understanding.

The only part she comprehended was that the United Transport Association annually negotiates substantial authorized broadcast fees from television stations—which she desires most.

Funding issues endlessly constrain the women's rights organization's capacity to initiate further activities. If they can garner more money from women's professional sports broadcasts to support their campaigns, the power—appeal, influence—of the women's rights organization will ultimately transform into another formidable force!

A force capable of sweeping through society, capable of changing the world. In the face of such power, no one can maintain a clear mind.

Noticing Ms. Trish's somewhat bewildered expression, Lynch comforted her with a few words, "There's no need to rush; these matters won't resolve in a day or two. You can consult with more people—perhaps they might offer even better ideas..."

Following this, Lynch took his leave, having spent the day traveling; he needed to rest early and prepare for tomorrow's meeting.

After arranging transportation for him, Ms. Trish returned home—where two elderly individuals, previously in heated debate, suddenly fell silent upon her arrival.

They both fixated on Trish, their expressions encapsulating a hidden anticipation. Approximately ten seconds later, Jackson suddenly stood up, waving his fist, and shouted at Jefferson, "I won, pay up, you bastard!"

Jefferson, with a dark face, retrieved a one-dollar bill from his pocket, crumpled it into a ball, and tossed it onto Jackson.

They were betting, and as it appeared at this moment—Jackson had won!

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①The United Transport Association's annual revenue largely reinvested into the association's operations, with a significant portion used to enhance athlete remuneration—solidifying their irreplaceable position within the sports industry.