Darkstone Code

The Bail Federal Government indeed does not restrict government officials from engaging in commercial activities. This is evident from the members of Congress, each of whom holds numerous private foundation shares, and possibly one or two companies.

There are fewer companies but many foundations. The reason is to avoid suspicion.

Ultimately, it still comes down to avoiding suspicion.

The charter and laws allowing it don't mean that one can engage in business wantonly, it involves the issue of interest transfer.

Determining whether a normal business activity constitutes interest transfer is quite simple: consider the cause, purpose, result of the commercial activity, and whether the beneficiaries born out of this transaction align with the Federation's standards for "official crime" and whether it shows characteristics of interest transfer.

To put it simply, if Official A holds shares in Company A, and Company A has conducted business with Company B, and Company A made a substantial profit, while Official A, through some method or by direct manipulation, enabled Company B or its shareholders to gain some benefits.

This is a typical example of official crime and interest transfer, which Federation laws strictly prohibit. Merchants pay officials with legitimate profits gained from companies controlled by the officials, in exchange for conveniences in other areas.

Such things are difficult to prevent; without thorough investigation, it's hard to know who really holds shares in a company, like Dyson Asset Management Company.

On the surface, it's a joint holding between a Federation natural person named Dyson and another asset management company, but behind the other company are more companies. Without someone doing detailed investigation, no one knows who the true owner of Dyson Asset Management Company is after several layers of changes and holdings.

Everyone does this to hide certain things they don't want others to discover and also to protect themselves.

But when needed, they simply dissolve a company and complete some necessary legal procedures to cut off tracking.

This also provides opportunities for those who pit against each other, as they can create seemingly secret interest transfer deals, then accuse their targets of official crime and interest transfer.

Therefore, most members of Congress, including high-ranking politicians, might intervene in various foundations but will not lightly operate companies themselves, as it would only create openings for others to breach their defenses.

If Lynch really becomes a Member of Parliament, his current businesses might become a breach, and he doesn't wish to step into the retirement line so early.

Every month he receives donations from various foundations from different groups, then speaks for these groups in Congress, voting for their proposals or against their opponents, dealing with various lobbying groups, brokers, and interest groups all day long.

Many people envy such a life, moving among various banquets and parties every day, dealing with social celebrities and political leaders, always appearing in the public eye.

But in Lynch's view, such a life is joyless, like a puppet, like a beast kept in a cage with limited movement and few things to do.

He didn't want that; the world is so big, so exciting, there's much more he wants to do.

The two of them looked at each other; Lynch's demeanor was resolutely firm, reflecting in his unwavering, flaw-free gaze.

"Alright, maybe we can talk again when you change your mind..." Mr. Truman, although slightly discouraged, wasn't too disappointed, as Lynch had previously stated he wouldn't go into politics, at least not in the short term.

Then Lynch proposed further negotiation terms. When the delegation and Bail Federal reached a consensus, agreeing to establish diplomatic relations, deeper political, commercial, and cultural negotiations followed, perhaps involving more topics.

Lynch added, "Let Nagariel take on our burdens for the Federation. I've been contemplating this idea lately. We should encourage more people to seek opportunities in Nagariel rather than relying on relief food at home."

They discussed this last time too, although somewhat vaguely. Truman frowned, "But our people may not want to work in a distant, backward place."

"There's no TV, no newspapers, no cinemas, only savagery..."

Lynch interrupted him, "But there's money there. We need to make people understand that there's money everywhere, they just have to go find it."

He pursed his lips, "Create idols!"

Mr. Truman's expression was serious; he had a unique perspective on international relations but wasn't specialized in detailed work.

It's like a ship drifting on the sea; everyone must perform their duties. He can recognize the direction, but how to steer the ship there, he couldn't help.

Lynch could; his ideas and concepts complemented Mr. Truman's and Lynch thought of more.

"When more Federation people start going to Nagariel looking for opportunities and development, some of our domestic social issues and contradictions will be alleviated. External wealth will swiftly help us complete certain transformations,"

"This isn't a war, but we will resolve internal problems!"

Lynch's words continued to unsettle Mr. Truman, there was no doubt his plan included more than he expressed, perhaps much more he hadn't mentioned.

It wasn't that he wouldn't say it now, but that the opportunity wasn't ripe. Mr. Truman believed that whenever the time came, Lynch would bring it out, possibly more astonishing than what he currently mentioned.

Their two-hour long "lesson" ended, it was past one o'clock, and once they lost their intense focus, they began to feel the discomfort, hunger in particular.

Thanks to the fast food trucks near the President's Mansion, initially, there were thoughts of removing them as it is the core of Bupen, the Federation's core, but that idea wasn't supported.

Many politicians get so busy they forget lunch, coupled with the Federation's indifference towards lunch, as they often regard it less important than breakfast, so most people don't seriously consider lunch.

A hot dog, a bread with meat, or a vegetable mixed with meat suffices, allowing these food trucks to survive.

Remarkably, even till now, food trucks exist, and fast food buyers continue.

Eating fast food, Truman asked, "Do you have anything else planned this afternoon?"

Lynch thought for a moment, "No, why?"

He nodded, "There's an exhibition this afternoon, there's some interesting stuff, you might be interested."

"About what?" Lynch finished what he was eating and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his hands and mouth.

"Technology!"

Every year, peculiar exhibitions occur across the country, now being a technological explosion era, though many are unaware.

The exhibition serves to promote technological development and also helps inventors find suitable investors to sponsor further research.

Technically, technological development should be scientists' concern, but many inventions and technological advances have little to do with high-end technology. These inventions play a critical role in advancing society.

These inventions don't require high-tech knowledge; they are more like assembly and improvement of existing technology, often referred to as folk science.

This term might seem amusing and not rigorous for science, yet it isn't as weak as imagined.

Many small inventions and gadgets in today's Federation market originate from these folk scientists and inventors.

They used to present their inventions to companies one by one, seeking cooperation or selling their invention.

After some "miracles," more idle people joined this group, fantasizing about creating world-changing inventions.

Exhibitions appeared, proposed by someone unmentioned.

They showcased their works, inventions, to everyone; if someone was interested, cooperation or investment discussions followed.

Numerous inventors went through this process over the years, making certain exhibitions with significant inventions increasingly valued.

High attention attracts more talented inventors to participate, forming a virtuous cycle. Reportedly, even Vipai Industries' next-generation torpedo modifications were inspired by a folk scientist's invention.

Starting today, for about half a month, excellent inventors nationwide will converge on a field outside Bupen for exhibition and display.

Lynch found it interesting and agreed.

Truman arranged the office's afternoon workload and left with Lynch, arriving at the exhibition venue about forty minutes later.

The place was as lively as a holiday, not only with industrial group representatives, military representatives, social elites, stockbrokers, but also ordinary families seeking novelty.

"Sir, do you know what a radio reconnaissance array is?"

Just off the car, a stockbroker approached Lynch, asking about something he'd never heard of.