Darkstone Code

On Wednesday afternoon, Lynch was watching the news when Mr. Wardrick suddenly called him, interrupting his leisurely afternoon.

By the time they met, it was already past four o’clock. Lynch didn’t hold back and brought half a bottle of wine that he hadn’t finished before.

When Mr. Wardrick saw that half bottle of wine, he couldn’t help but laugh. "Looks like I should call you in the morning next time!"

He was joking about Lynch taking advantage, but Lynch certainly wasn’t taking advantage; it was just a way of expressing a close relationship.

Lynch shrugged. "Even if you call me in the morning, I’d still bring wine."

"Alright, you win!" Mr. Wardrick then shook hands with Lynch and handed the half bottle of wine to his wife standing by. "Let the cooks prepare something..."

Afterward, Mr. Wardrick’s wife greeted Lynch and left.

Without a doubt, that half bottle of wine would at least cost Mr. Wardrick a lavish dinner; anything less wouldn’t do.

The two walked into Mr. Wardrick’s study, settled down separately, chatted a bit about "Millionaire" and some upcoming shooting plans, then he changed the subject. "You have a good rapport with Jeruno?"

Mr. Wardrick’s sudden question made Lynch a bit bewildered, but he realized something. "Who did you hear that from?"

He emphasized, "My relationship with Mr. Jeruno is purely work-related; we’ve never met privately. It’s not good, just not unfamiliar."

Mr. Wardrick nodded slightly, showing his hesitation, and Lynch didn’t interrupt him, waiting quietly.

After a while, he glanced at the tightly shut door and lowered his voice a bit. "You know, when an Empire has left its peak and started to decline, it becomes more desperate for power than ever!"

Lynch nodded slightly, understanding what Mr. Wardrick was saying.

The rulers feel the danger, and the only thing that can stop them from feeling they might leave anytime is more power than before.

They will find ways to increase and deepen the power they already hold and seize from elsewhere.

But these actions only make others see its frailty and its weakness!

Mr. Wardrick’s words were alluding to the Duncan Clan, an ancient, large Empire hidden beneath the sweet freedom of the Federation!

Sure enough, Mr. Wardrick then revealed the name of this Empire.

"The influence of the Duncan Clan has been declining. Although they’ve tried to maintain it through some inappropriate methods and even created Paradise Island, but you know..."

He shook his head slightly. "Not everyone likes to be threatened in this way. Recently, the Security Department has been on their case, and they’re getting a bit anxious."

"Jeruno has privately expressed high regard for you lately, suggesting that your cooperation would bring a better chemistry reaction."

Lynch frowned slightly. "I just made a call to him a few days ago, purely business!"

"Is the Security Department pressing them hard?"

The fact that the Duncan Clan began releasing smokescreens and considering seeking external assistance indicates anxiety.

Actually, if you think about it, it’s understandable.

When the Duncan Clan was like the sun in the sky, radiating worldwide, providing private slaves to global leaders, they were mostly in an equal status.

Everyone could be friends, good friends, trade partners, without obvious superiority or inferiority.

People felt assured because they were so powerful; no one could defeat them, meaning everyone’s secrets were well kept.

But as the Duncan Clan’s enterprises became outdated in the new capital age, those star politicians wouldn’t be satisfied with their critical secrets being held by someone weak.

This means that those who provide various slaves are no longer able to guarantee their transactions remain secret, unknown by others.

Once someone dares to attack the Duncan Clan, it’s highly likely that a large amount of material will be leaked.

This material is deadly to many people!

People don’t like this real world; they don’t like those who preach morality during the day only to dwell in the manor’s secret cellars at night, harping on "missing persons"!

Furthermore, in recent years, the Duncan Clan has done many things to reaffirm their grip on rights and influence over the Federation Government, causing dissatisfaction among many in the Federation Government.

A few years ago, when the President first took office, many things weren’t fully settled, so everyone endured, even the President endured.

But as four years are about to pass, the Duncan Clan’s decline hasn’t been stopped, and instead, the descent’s speed has increased, making certain people’s attitudes gradually clearer.

The purpose of them pushing Congress to pass the Private Armament Bill was actually to enhance their own "hard power," and these private armies might provide Mr. Jeruno with some sense of security.

Perhaps...

Mr. Wardrick nodded slightly, "There might be a breakthrough in the Paradise Island case; after all, you are one of the victims."

Lynch immediately thought of You’Er Mei, as it seemed some people there were affected. He didn’t ask in detail back then, but it appears that some trends were already becoming clear.

A terrifying "Empire" yet was being held accountable by some agencies in plain sight, which indicates they’ve indeed encountered problems.

This is why lions must fiercely retaliate against the provocations of hyenas; if you don’t retaliate and show your claws, those hyenas will realize the lion has grown old.

An old lion is no longer a lion, but a meal!

An "Ancient Empire" is the same.

Lynch continually pondered Mr. Wardrick’s words, grasping some unique nuances, followed by a smile appearing on his face, "You know, I’ve always emphasized the responsibility of capitalists to society, and as for me, I’m a very responsible, one might even say very justice-minded person."

Mr. Wardrick was amused by Lynch’s shamelessness, "It’s the first time I hear someone say that, but what you do doesn’t seem quite consistent with what you claim."

Lynch didn’t feel the slightest embarrassment, "As long as you see me helping those who can’t afford a meal to eat, those who can’t afford clothes to wear, and those who can’t afford school to go to school, that’s enough."

"As for the rest, it’s just the Lord’s merciful reward to me. He wouldn’t let us give without returns; this is the truth of the world."

Mr. Wardrick rolled his eyes perfectly and picked up a cigarette, solidly, as he said some words that were hard to understand, "This is a sumptuous feast."

Lynch understood, "But I’m just afraid some guests might have impure motives."

Mr. Wardrick replied with a smile, "That depends on whether the host permits them to do so!"

Lynch was a bit surprised, "Is it your party?"

"No, it’s ’ours’!"

In the world of capitalism, there are always madmen, which is why countless "miracles" come into being.

Every time some young people with limitless dreams of capital hear professors recall past miracles in classrooms, they feel excited, yet they don’t know how many corpses are buried beneath the curtain of this era!

The Duncan Clan’s decline seems irrecoverable, and it isn’t Mr. Wardrick, the capital giant, who can’t sit still first, but those who live off the "food" scattered from the giant’s mouth.

These people have a greater enthusiasm for this matter than the capitalists; they more than anyone want the Duncan Clan to go towards destruction, which means about ten percent of the Federation’s industry would be released.

It means more assets would be embezzled by them.

The Duncan Clan’s industry is not only present in the Federation but worldwide, further provoking people to tear it apart and swallow it bit by bit!

When the return is high enough, capitalists dare to trample on the law, and now, the high rate of return has led many to dare declare "war" on the Duncan Clan.

Undoubtedly, the one hosting this "feast" is not Mr. Wardrick nor any other capitalist, but the Federation Government, possibly even the World Development Committee!

After all, the war is about to break out!

After Lynch made it clear that he was an ally, Mr. Wardrick also breathed a sigh of relief; he sincerely hoped Lynch wouldn’t stand on a side doomed to face a losing outcome.

If he really did so, Lynch would inevitably face the first and most terrifying failure of his life.

It was in this fleeting moment that Mr. Wardrick vaguely understood Lynch’s secret of success —

He never went against the tide of the era, but rather went along with it, taking advantage of it.

Just like the half bottle of wine he brought...

The dinner was extremely sumptuous, Mr. Wardrick being a person who enjoys life, had cooks with exceptional culinary skills, and frequently changed them to ensure his freshness towards meals.

The pianist played soothing music, the music like a clear spring flowed through people’s hearts.

Even though it was a private venue, the people at the dining table didn’t raise their voices while conversing.

This had nothing to do with the setting; it was a matter of etiquette!

It involved neither identity, status, education level, nor wealth, but is a personal realm shining from within!

Some people, despite being wealthy, reek of a pungent stench.

Others, despite being poor, exude an inner strength that you can genuinely feel!