Darkstone Code

"On behalf of the people of Magulana, I welcome you, Mr. Lynch from the Federation!"

The Provincial Governor mastered a fluent international language, so Lynch didn't have to guess to understand what he meant, which is rare in some backward countries.

Many backward countries have a puzzling confidence. They always feel that others will accommodate them, rather than them accommodating others.

Ignorance, arrogance, and conceit make up the face of backwardness with nostrils pointing upwards.

Lynch did not feel this here. The Provincial Governor did not seem like a ruler of a backward and ignorant region. His personal style, attitude, and that perfect international language made him feel detached from his identity and background.

This is not a simple man, as evident from his command of the language.

Thoughts flashed through Lynch's mind while he maintained his clean smile. At this moment, he reached out and shook hands with the Provincial Governor, instantly feeling the warmth of the Governor's palm and the firm yet not overwhelming grip.

No successful person is a coincidence; even if there's a moment of luck, luck does not last forever.

"I am also honored to have the opportunity to come to this fertile land. In my eyes, it is filled with miracles and the future!" Lynch's response made the Provincial Governor's smile even more sincere.

He shook his hand vigorously before releasing it, "No need for flattery. I know very well what kind of country Nagariel is, and I know we lag far behind mainstream countries internationally. That's precisely why we need you and passionate international friends like you to help us."

"In terms of science and technology, as well as advanced management, we have much to learn. We will not be stingy toward all international friends willing to help us, and we will not let them suffer losses!"

Sometimes people speak halfway to avoid awkwardness and silence. For example, the above words, the Provincial Governor actually left out half a sentence—

"If you are only here to take advantage, we will not let you go!"

It's probably something close to this meaning, but he cannot say it out loud, as it would make the situation awkward; however, not speaking it does not mean the thought doesn't exist.

Lynch's expression was serious, and there were also some reporters at the scene, including some international reporters from the Federation.

These people were approved after discussions between Asir and Mikhail. The fact that Lynch was investing in Nagariel should not only be reported locally but also in the Federation. This is, in fact, also advertising for Nagariel.

Once people discover that this is a good place, investors from the Federation will gather like rain clouds in the sky, then sprinkle their money like raindrops across every inch of the land.

After discussions between Mikhail and the Provincial Governor, they finally agreed to Asir's, or rather Lynch's, request to allow reporters to witness this historic moment with their eyes and cameras.

This was also a protective talisman for Lynch—international public opinion and the situation.

Once a trend of attention forms domestically in the Federation, even if someone in Nagariel wants to act against Lynch, they must consider international and diplomatic issues. As long as they don't dare to act immediately, Lynch has a chance to turn the situation around.

The brief flash of magnesium lights flickered momentarily in the room. As the two men released their hands, the flashing lights also paused shortly; they would flash again, now gathering strength for the next burst.

After saying these official words, the Provincial Governor began some more "private" exchanges, but at his level, is there really any difference between private and public issues?

"Lynch, may I call you that?" After Lynch confirmed, the Provincial Governor dropped the "Mister" and addressed him as "Lynch."

"I was very surprised when I heard someone wanted to invest here. I'm not being humble because I truly know what kind of country Nagariel is. Can you tell me what exactly attracted you to come here and what industries you plan to invest in?"

People around them began to gather closer, while those unqualified or merely there for a whim consciously moved away from the core. Nagariel's strict class system affected everyone at every moment.

Lynch took a glass of sparkling wine from a tray held by a waiter and wet his throat, "Like the Provincial Governor just said..."

"You can call me Drag; you forgot, we're friends now!" The Provincial Governor always showed himself as open-minded, fashionable, and even avant-garde, but Lynch would not really take it seriously.

When he appeared at this occasion in traditional attire, some of his fashion and avant-garde displays were just his hypocritical mask.

However, Lynch wouldn't pierce through this; he showed a slightly surprised and appreciative expression, slightly bowed to pay respect to the Governor's generosity, "I am honored..." He paused, "As Mr. Drag just said, many people's perceptions of Nagariel are stuck many years ago."

"People think it's poor, backward, and may have some mineral resources but not the conditions to develop them."

"The harsh natural environment limits the mining and transportation of mineral resources; some people with ulterior motives say it's worthless!"

At this point, people seemed calm on the surface, but were slightly unhappy inside. They are the ruling class, the leaders of upper-middle society; the worse Nagariel develops, the more it indicates their incompetence. How could they be happy?

But Lynch quickly changed his tune; he was adept at the literary game of first suppressing then uplifting, "But in my view, people overlook many things!"

"We cannot simply assess and evaluate societal development based on how much value a society creates."

"The development of culture, changes in people's lives, these are all progress and manifestations of value, significantly surpassing the intangible value of wealth."

"Nagariel has obvious advantages. Mr. Asir and I have mentioned multiple times that labor here is cheaper compared to other places, which is the greatest wealth."

"Someone once said that in the new era, people are a kind of wealth. I agree with this statement, and it suits the current situation in Nagariel well."

"We lack everything, but we do not lack the sincerity for rapid development, nor hard-working labor people."

"I will gradually invest in and build at least five factories in Magulana, each offering no less than a thousand jobs, and I will also invest in building roads, railways, restoring river channels, and cultivating some undeveloped areas."

"Besides these, I will regularly send batches of people willing to acquire advanced knowledge abroad to learn advanced technologies, gain advanced work experience, and even study advanced knowledge!"

"Once these people have mastered advanced technology, they will return to Nagariel and contribute to changing this place, and that is what I intend to do!"

Lynch stood among the crowd, raised his right hand pointing to the dome, "Investment is not exploitation, it's about joint wealth and development."

"I know some people think foreign investors may disrupt local customs; I also ask everyone not to worry. I respect the customs and habits of every place, their work and lifestyle; I am not a destroyer, I am a builder!"

A few seconds later, enthusiastic applause broke out in the hall. People clapped while exchanging certain messages through their expressions, clearly understanding the implicit and explicit meaning behind Lynch's words.

He would not, like previous investors, impose benefits and human rights. He would not disrupt governance, would not damage interests, and he would invest here, which alone made people willing to accept him.

The Provincial Governor clapped too, "Very thoughtful ideas, they make me think of Nagariel's future. We need people like you to help us; your words were excellent."

"Joint wealth and development, very inspiring!"

The Provincial Governor spoke and then paused, raising his arm to glance at the luxury watch worth tens of thousands of Federation Sol on his wrist, his face showing a slightly apologetic expression, "Sorry, I have other arrangements, so I must leave. If you have time, let's sit down and talk; I'm very interested in some of your ideas!"

"Of course!" Lynch shook hands with the Provincial Governor again, who waved goodbye to everyone and left through the main door.

He actually had no other matters; it just wasn't quite suitable for him to stay here. After all, the host of this banquet was Mayor Mikhail, and his presence here would overshadow Lynch or Mikhail inevitably.

Once the Provincial Governor left, the atmosphere in the hall became even more lively. Many people, including Mikhail, gathered around Lynch, discussing his next steps.

"Mr. Lynch, when do you plan to build the factory, where will it be located, and what type of products will it mainly produce?" Mikhail first posed his questions.

Lynch patted the substantial wooden furniture beside him, "I think this wood is pretty good. How is their distribution in the wild?"

"Forestry exploitation?" A modern term popped out of Mikhail's mouth, and he slightly frowned; this was not quite what he had imagined.

He hoped Lynch would invest in a real factory, preferably in heavy industry, as assembly lines in heavy industry alone could cost hundreds of millions of Galiers, and even with money, they might not be readily available.

However, since Lynch brought up logging, Mikhail's frown quickly relaxed. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Not a lot, and the felling of this Red Blood Wood requires permission from the Temple..."