Blackstone Code

Chapter 81:

"EverBright Group scandal involves many; Senator Thomas () has been approved for subpoena by the state court..."

"Numerous companies within the state are implicated in this shocking cross-border tax evasion case, with far-reaching impact..."

"So far, eleven companies linked to the 'EverBright Group scandal' are under investigation by federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Tax Bureau, and Federal Security Commission(), temporarily halting their operations. Workers have organized protests, urging a swift conclusion to the investigation and a quick return to work..."

Whether in newspapers or on television, news about the EverBright Group tax evasion scandal had been gradually increasing.

This was, in fact, a very clear storm. By voicing concerns through various channels, people began to realize that many things might change in the short term, preparing them for the impending storm.

Perhaps people would say, "I knew this day would come," showcasing their foresight. Simultaneously, it served as a reminder for some to report, and for others to escape.

In other words, those backers of the EverBright Group could no longer protect their "little brother." Their powerful connections might have abandoned them or been dragged down by them. The higher-level battle had already concluded, and waiting was no longer an option.

"What's your take?" Fox Junior, sitting beside, was also reading the newspaper. Recently, he had developed the habit of reading newspapers, following Lin Qi's example.

Often, Lin Qi would find time to read newspapers. After all, newspapers still remained a mainstream news source, at least within the federation. Even television struggled to suppress traditional print media in terms of stability in news dissemination.

Many believed that in the next decade, television would eventually replace traditional print media as a crucial means of obtaining news information. They were too optimistic. This transition would persist until the advent of portable, small-sized technological devices. Print media would be replaced only after that.

Before that, television could never achieve the portability of print media. A newspaper could be taken out of a bag to pass the time during a journey. It could be picked up casually while waiting for something, providing a distraction. One could even enjoy the relief in the restroom while reading a newspaper, ignoring the peculiar smells. Sometimes, a newspaper, after reading, could serve other purposes, but of course, it required some additional cleaning due to ink stains.

Television cannot achieve this. People cannot carry a heavy television to and from work. The reason traditional print media hadn't been replaced by television was convenience.

Just like now, Lin Qi could pick up a newspaper and read content of his liking at leisure. He cannot do the same with a television, making it follow his whims to play what he preferred.

In the time spent with Lin Qi, Fox Junior's perspective had changed in some ways, such as his views on those mixing in the lower echelons of society. Previously, he believed they were brainless, but now he dared not think so. Lin Qi was not only smarter than him but even smarter than his father.

Lin Qi casually put down the newspaper, shaking his head. "I lack some supporting evidence, so I won't comment on or discuss these matters."

Actually, he had the evidence but chose not to reveal it. All the companies implicated by EverBright were joint ventures. With Lin Qi's recent learning and deeper understanding of this world, he had realized where the problem lay. However, there was no need to burden Fox Junior and his father with these details. It had nothing to do with their lives, and there was no need for them to worry about it.

Lin Qi's words hint at a desire not to continue discussing the topic. Fox Junior quickly changes the subject, "Recently, my father and I have been planning to invest in some other industries at the right time, legal industries. What do you think?"

The transformation of Mr. Fox and his son was largely influenced by Lin Qi, creating a vivid contrast between them.

Lin Qi earned money at a speed not slower than them. If looking at the percentage return instead of specific numbers, even the combined return of a hundred Gettnau Financials would still not surpass what Lin Qi earned.

The crucial point was that Lin Qi's business was legal. Legally making money, legal money this dream-like life had made Mr. Fox doubt his past decisions for the first time, almost unwilling to believe it.

So, Mr. Fox and his son discussed for a while and decided to invest in some legal businesses. If successful, they could also get rid of their current situation, at least not needing to live in fear.

These thoughts make Lin Qi feel somewhat incredulous. Many who were accustomed to making quick money would never accept doing legal business. Unexpectedly, Mr. Fox and his son were actively seeking change.

He nodded, pointing to the bustling street outside the huge glass window. "What do you see?"

There were many pedestrians on the street, some looking dejected the economic recession was not a joyous event. Combined with the strike and investigations leading to the suspension of production in some major businesses, many workers had lost their jobs.

There were also some women. Whether it was Fox Junior''s illusion or his perception lagging behind the times, he always felt that the girls on the street this summer had become more eye-catching. Before, it was challenging to see such pretty girls on the street.

However, he wouldn't say these things. As a civilized person who had received higher education, he didn't think Lin Qi's question was that simple.

After careful consideration, he answered Lin Qi's question in his professional field with a tentative tone, "Cheap labor resources?"

This summer was the first time in nearly a decade that average wages had significantly decreased. In previous years, average wages would continue to rise, but since the beginning of summer, the workers who used to demand strikes if wages didn't increase had disappeared. Instead, there were more short-term workers willing to work for just a meal at street corners.

Those waiting to be hired at the employment center had slightly lowered their wage demands, and labor was becoming cheaper a consensus among everyone.

Lin Qi shook his head. "You can say that, but look deeper. Haven't you noticed that girls are revealing more cleavage and wearing shorter skirts?"

Fox Junior felt a bit embarrassed, using a forced laugh to conceal certain thoughts in his mind. His father happened to enter the room at this moment, looking spirited today with a cane in hand.

"What are you guys talking about?" Putting the cane in the slot for the umbrella next to the coat hanger, he asked curiously while having Fox Junior turn on a fan.

Fox Junior recounted their conversation, making Mr. Fox interested. He helped Fox Junior ask, "Why is that?"

Lin Qi smiled, crossing his legs and naturally placing his hands on the sofa's armrests. "Due to economic recession, small and medium-sized enterprises, and even large ones, can't afford these luxuries anymore. If you visit some big companies, you'll find their employees busier, and almost all of them are male."

"The company's profits are not enough to support keeping eye-catching women or..." He tilted his head, "you know, some people like to fool around in the office, but now they need to save funds in that area."

"Those girls who used to be paid have lost their jobs and can only look for new opportunities on the street, or else, they'll starve," Lin Qi sighed. "That's what I mean by opportunity."

Mr. Fox hesitated and said uncertainly, "From what I know, only two states among the seventeen federal states allow legal solicitation..."Please vote for this novel at /series/blackstone-code/

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